Cornwall

Veterans gathered at Trebah Gardens in Mawnan Smith today for a service to remember those who died in the Second World War. The day is put on to celebrate and remember the American 29th Infantry Division, which left for the Normandy landings from Trebah beach, as well as a Parachute Regiment. To read more about veterans gathering in Mawnan Smith click here

A holidaymaker has died in Cornwall after being hit by a car while crossing a road near Penzance. The 72-year-old man collided with a silver VW Golf on the A394 on Friday. An investigation has been launched by the serious collision investigation unit and the man's next of kin are being traced. The Marazion to Rosudgeon road was closed from 4.30pm until 10pm. A police spokesman said formal identification of the man will not take place until Tuesday at the earliest. Police want to speak with anyone who witnessed the incident. You can call them by dialling 101 and quote log 548 of May 24 2013.

Thousands of revellers have descended on Newquay to attend an annual classic car rally and music festival. Run to the Sun, a three day event, attracts around 30,000 people from all across the country who turn up each year to view some of the UK and Europe's finest motors and enjoy live music. To mark the festival's 30th anniversary, organisers say that this year's event is the biggest yet with its best music line up including DJ sets from top acts, Sub Focus, Kissy Sell Out and DJ Fresh. Organisers say they have  increased spend on production, and increased the activities and attractions both on site and at the show ground at Newquay Cornwall Airport.  The festival's main event, the Show and Shine, is set to take place on Sunday, where judges will award prizes to the finest vehicles which are all on display for festival goers. Run to the Sun has grown in popularity over its 30-year history, but Trevelgue Holiday Park, where part of the action is based, has said it will not continue after this year.

PLYMOUTH suffered their second successive home defeat in the Premier League when they lost 52-38 to Leicester at the St Boniface Arena on Friday evening. That was despite a promising start in which they took a six-point lead from the opening two heats. Co-promoter Ashley Taylor promised that team strengthening would take place before the next home match against Glasgow in a fortnight's time. "After this weekend, we do not have another meeting until June 7 and it is up to come back on that night with a winning team," said Taylor. "There are elements that are under performing. But the buck stops with us and it is up to us to come up with the riders to make Plymouth a winning team." Josh Grajczonek, from Somerset, top scored for the Devils as a guest replacement for injured number one while Ricky Kling showed some improvement to win the man of the match award from sponsors T Hoare and Son Builders. Overall, however, Leicester had the greater strength at the top end, providing ten of the 15 race winners. The teams were all square going into the final four heats, but Plymouth faded badly, allowing Leicester to take three 5-1's and a 4-2 in those decisive races. Plymouth: Josh Grajczonek 9+1 (5 rides), Ricky Kling 7+1 (5), Chris Schramm 2+1 (3), Cory Gathercole 5 (4), Mark Lemon 5+1 (4). Reserves: Jake Anderson 5 (4), Todd Kurtz 5 (5). Leicester: Kauko Nieminen 11+1 (5), Jan Graversen 1 (4), Lasse Bjerre 8+1 (4), Kevin Doolan 8+2 (4), Magnus Karlsson 13+1 (5). Reserves: Alex Edberg 7+1 (4), Robert Branford 4 (4). Plymouth have Craig Cook guesting for Proctor in Saturday's (May 25) return Premier League match at Leicester with Ricky Wells filling the number one spot in Sunday's (League Cup visit to Rye House.

CORNWALL head coach Dave `Benji` Thomas will lead the Black & Gold into battle for the last time on Sunday as his team take on Lancashire in the Bill Beaumont Cup Final at Twickenham (3.15pm). Cornwall, still buoyed by last weekend`s epic victory against reigning County champions Hertfordshire, will travel to the capital looking to end a barren spell of 14 years in the competition since they last won the trophy. Their last success came in 1999 against Gloucestershire but since then Sunday`s opponents Lancashire have turned Twickenham into their second home. The Red Rose County boast a total of 21 final victories in the tournament including five in the last decade. They have contested the last four finals with their winning run only halted last year by Hertfordshire and their head coach Mark Nelson knows that Cornwall will pose a formidable challenge to his team this year. He said: "This is going to be a big challenge, certainly with the atmosphere that is going to be generated by a big travelling support. They are a very physical, forward oriented side, it's going to be a full-blooded affair." Cornwall expect to take a big following to London for the game and there has been a huge effort by their supporters this week to secure tickets for a match being staged immediately after England play the Barbarians. Several coaches have been filled to take fans from the Duchy to the game and Benji Thomas expects an emotional day as he ends his 38 year association with the Cornwall team. "The players realise it's not only their day, it's the supporters' day as well and they really want Cornwall to succeed for the crowd," Thomas said. "I feel very proud that I'm associated with a group of people who are very single-minded, very determined and work really hard. Cornwall were delighted to hear in mid-week that inspirational skipper Ben Hilton had escaped censure at an RFU Disciplinary hearing and is free to play. However they did lose Launceston Number 8 Barrie-John Chapman to an lengthy ban at the same hearing and his place on Sunday will be taken by Camborne`s Ashley Lawton. With wing Rhodri McAtee dropping out the only other change to the starting line-up sees Redruth`s Tom Notman recalled. Steve Perry and Luke Collins have been drafted onto the bench. Lancashire will be led by Sedgley Park lock Louis McGowan as they look to recover from a surprising defeat against Cheshire in their final group fixture last weekend. They have also made changes to their line-up recalling Fylde duo wing Ben Rath and flanker Evan Stewart following a successful England Counties Under-20 tour to Georgia. The vastly experienced Paul Arnold also returns to their second row. Cornwall 15. Jake Murphy, 14. Richard Bright (both Cornish All Blacks), 13. Steve Johns (Coventry), 12. Neilsen Webber (Cornish All Blacks), 11. Tom Notman, 10. Paul Thirlby, 9. Greg Goodfellow; 1. Darren Jacques, 2. Richard Brown, 3. Craig Williams, 4. Damian Cook (all Redruth), 5. Ben Hilton (capt) (Cornish All Blacks), 6. Chris Fuca (Redruth), 7. Sam Hocking (Unattached), 8. Ashley Lawton (Camborne) Replacements – 16. Neil Turner, 17. John Drew, 18. Lewis Vinnecombe, 19. Luke Collins (all Redruth), 20. Tom Rawlings (Cornish All Blacks), 21. Matt Shepherd (St.Austell), 22. Steve Perry (Unattached) Lancashire 15 Sean Taylor (Preston Grasshoppers) 14 Nick Royle (Vale of Lune) 13 Chris Briers (Fylde) 12 Jack Ward (Preston Grasshoppers) 11 Ben Rath (Fylde) 10 Chris Johnson (Fylde) 9 Steve Collins (Sedgley Park); 1 Dan Birchall (Fylde) 2 Jon Matthews (Otley) 3 Simon Griffiths (Fylde) 4 Paul Arnold (Fylde) 5 Louis McGowan (Sedgley Park) (Captain) 6 Jon Nugent (Stade Dijon) 7 Steve McGinnis (Fylde) 8 Dominic Moon (Preston Grasshoppers) Replacements - 16 Pete Altham (Fylde) 17 Gareth Gore (Preston Grasshoppers) 18 Phil Mills (Preston Grasshoppers) 19 Evan Stewart (Fylde) 20 Philip Baines (Preston Grasshoppers) 21 Tom Webb (Fylde) 22 Andrew Riley (Sedgley Park)

Woolwich heroine Ingrid Loyau-Kennett, who stopped to try and help Drummer Lee Rigby and ended up talking to his alleged killers, has spoken for the first time after getting home to Helston. She told the West Briton her intervention, which drew praise from everybody including Prime Minister David Cameron, was just down to natural instinct. The feisty mum-of-two, who lives in Bulwark Road in the town, says she was on autopilot when she jumped off a double-decker bus to administer first aid to Mr Rigby in John Wilson Street, Woolwich, on Wednesday afternoon. To read more of Ingrid's story click here.

Woolwich heroine Ingrid Loyau-Kennett, who stopped to try and help Drummer Lee Rigby and ended up talking to his alleged killers, has spoken for the first time after getting home to Helston. She told the West Briton her intervention, which drew praise from everybody including Prime Minister David Cameron, was just down to natural instinct. The feisty mum-of-two, who lives in Bulwark Road in the town, says she was on autopilot when she jumped off a double-decker bus to administer first aid to Mr Rigby in John Wilson Street, Woolwich, on Wednesday afternoon. She pushed her way through people trying to board the bus and hurried over to Mr Rigby, and immediately checked for a pulse. And when she looked up, she said a man with bloodied hands was standing over her holding a revolver in one hand with and two knives in the other. Ingrid, a qualified teacher who is currently looking for work as a translator, said: "I didn't have any time to register if I was scared or not. All I wanted to do was help the person in the road and keep as much attention on me as possible, I didn't want anyone else to get hurt. That's all I was thinking. "He told me he had killed a British soldier, because they were 'killing soldiers in Islamic countries'. "I asked what difference this would make in the long run – he was just one man and we are many." Ingrid said she spent 10 minutes talking to the alleged killers – and then got back on the bus to continue her journey. She felt she had done all she could. It was then that the police moved in. "It must have been seconds after I boarded the bus that I heard gunfire," she said. "Around eight to ten police cars mobilised very fast and shots were fired." The bus erupted in screaming at that point. French-born Ingrid again took matters into her own hands and says she then attempted to defuse the panic on board the bus. She said: "The passengers started to scream, but I told everyone to calm down and that it was all over." Mrs Loyau-Kennett had been in London visiting her two children, Basil and Pawony. She was on her way back to Helston via Victoria Station in London at the time of the incident.

AHEAD of Cornwall's appearance in Sunday's Bill Beaumont Cup final Richard Wigglesworth will be cheering on Lancashire - once he's finished tackling the Barbarians with England at Twickenham. The Saracens scrum half – born in Blackpool – played at Sale Sharks under coach Mark Nelson, whose county side take on Cornwall at 3.15pm. And he is former clubmate of Fylde's Paul Arnold and Vale of Lune's Nick Royle, who will be attempting to secure a fourth county championship crown in five seasons. "I know a few of the lads who are playing and I know it's a big thing in their season getting to this final – and I'm sure they'll be up for it and I'm sure they'll bring the cup back," said Wigglesworth, who tours Uruguay and Argentina with England next month. "They've got a good record of getting to these finals so hopefully this year they'll win it and as a proud Lancastrian myself I'll definitely be rooting for them. "Mark Nelson's an old coach of mine, a top bloke who loves a sing-song and a beer after the game. He's made for this sort of coaching and the players all want to play for him because he's such a passionate guy. He'll have them really revved up and I can't wait to watch them." Former England Sevens wing Royle has been singled out by Cornwall as the man to watch and Wigglesworth agrees. "Nick Royle is the fastest man you'll meet," he said. "I've seen some quick guys but not many as quick as him and if you let him get the ball in any sort of space then you're in trouble."

UPDATE: 2pm. The Hayle bypass has reopened in both directions, following a fatal road traffic collision that claimed the life of a 38-year-old man. It had been closed for nearly 11 hours. A man has died in a road crash on the A30 near Loggans, Hayle this morning. Police were notified of the fatal road collision at around 3.00am. The collision involved a single vehicle containing two people. The driver of the vehicle, a 38-year-old man, was pronounced dead at the scene and the passenger, a female, was taken to The Royal Cornwall Hospital with minor injuries. Police are conducting an investigation as to how the collision occurred. Fire Service, Ambulance and Police units also attended the scene. Next of kin are being informed and no details of the deceased will be released until a formal identification has taken place. Road closures are in place on the A30 at Loggans and are likely to remain until mid-morning. Anyone who witnessed the collision or saw the vehicle being driven prior to the collision occurring is asked to contact Devon & Cornwall Police on 101 quoting log number 0129 250513.

A man has died in a road crash on the A30 near Loggans, Hayle this morning. Police were notified of the fatal road collision at around 3.00am. The collision involved a single vehicle containing two people. The driver of the vehicle, a 38-year-old man, was pronounced dead at the scene and the passenger, a female, was taken to The Royal Cornwall Hospital with minor injuries. Police are conducting an investigation as to how the collision occurred. Fire Service, Ambulance and Police units also attended the scene. Next of kin are being informed and no details of the deceased will be released until a formal identification has taken place. Road closures are in place on the A30 at Loggans and are likely to remain until mid-morning. Anyone who witnessed the collision or saw the vehicle being driven prior to the collision occurring is asked to contact Devon & Cornwall Police on 101 quoting log number 0129 250513.

The parents of a Looe man, who died after injecting the heroin replacement drug methadone, have called on authorities to do more to prevent the drug from being sold on the streets. Phillip Godbolt collapsed and died on Market Street, East Looe, in the early hours of June 2 2012 after taking a cocktail of drugs and alcohol. An inquest into his death, held on Wednesday May 22 at Truro Coroners' Court, revealed the cause of death to be the "misuse of methadone and other prescription drugs". The 27-year-old's mother, Hillary Godbolt, told the inquest: "I think most people know where it [the methadone] came from. "Since this happened to Phil we have been told that this same person was actually involved in it happening to someone else. "If we know the person that had the methadone and we know it's obvious that they were the one that passed it on surely something can be done about in as far as stopping them from receiving anymore methadone?" DS Tim Wright, from Liskeard CID, led an investigation to trace where the drug had been sourced but said there was insufficient evidence to lead to a prosecution. Deputy coroner for Cornwall, Dr Andrew Cox, explained that addicts on treatment programmes are supplied with methadone to inject at home when chemists are closed. Describing Mr Godbolt's death as a tragedy, he returned a verdict of accidental death. The inquest heard that Mr Godbolt, who was a plasterer by trade and a father of two, had a history of drug abuse and mental health problems. His parents said that in the months prior to his death he failed to receive help from mental health services when he moved to Looe from Plymouth after breaking up with his girlfriend. Mrs Godbolt said: "We had an incident at home where he got quite stressed and agitated and we tried to get help from the mental health team in Devon for some support and they said they couldn't do anything because he had been discharged," "We tried to get in touch with the Cornish mental health team but they said they couldn't help because he was not registered." Paying tribute to their son his parents said he was a popular man with many friends. "He was a good family man," said Mrs Godbolt. Her husband, Geoffrey Godbolt, said: "Everybody loved him. He was a great father. He was a smashing guy," They said they now hoped to move on with their lives. Mr Godbolt said: "Now we can put a lid on it and try to get on with our lives but you never get over it." Following the inquest Howard Stevens, from the Drug and Alcohol Action Team, said the number of methadone-related deaths is increasing. "It is a national trend," he said. "The number of methadone deaths is increasing above the number of heroin deaths across the UK. "In Edinburgh methadone deaths have overtaken heroin deaths," he added. Mr Stevens said that cases such as this were becoming increasingly common as more people are being put on methadone treatment programmes. "More people are undertaking drug treatment programmes and being prescribed methadone and other medications," he said. "Unfortunately that can get abused. We need intelligence to counter-act that and act on it." In a statement, Plymouth Community Healthcare said: "We were saddened to hear of the death of Mr Godbolt and wish to extend our condolences to his family. There is an on-going investigation into the circumstances and Plymouth Community Healthcare will make further comment following conclusion of this investigation."

POLICE in Cornwall will have dedicated rave patrols in place this Bank Holiday weekend to prevent and disturb organised illegal parties. According to the force each year in Cornwall and Devon a significant police resource is required to respond and manage the removal of a number of illegal raves. This, the force said, diverts valuable resources away from regular policing and has a damaging impact on the affected communities and the immediate local environment. Throughout the spring and summer months, intelligence led operations will take place under Operation Derig aimed at preventing or disrupting illegal rave events. Dedicated officers will patrol potential areas of risk to illegal gatherings the next one taking place this weekend. Detective superintendent Glen Mayhew said: "While illegal raves tend to occur in the remote areas, they have an impact on local residents and others who look to make use these area's for leisure activities. "The raves are illegal as they are not only very disruptive but they present dangers to those who attend. Safety regulations used at all public events were introduced to ensure safety of those attending, yet illegal raves do not follow any guidance. "We have seen incidents where people have got lost in poor weather in very remote areas and come to harm, as well as people attending suffering medical episodes and in need of medical attention – yet due to terrain and the management of the rave site it is extremely difficult for police and other emergency services to respond to calls. "During previous illegal raves, we have arrested people connected with the organised sale of illegal drugs as well as drink driving and criminal damage. We will not shy away from using all appropriate legislation to prevent such events and where a rave has been established we will look to seize sound equipment." Mr Mayhew added that investigations will be conducted against the organisers who could be liable for criminal and civil offences. Anyone who suspects people are visiting a particular area with a view to planning an illegal gathering, or they see the site being set up are asked to ring the police and report any illegal gatherings as soon as possible.

FIREFIGHTERS from Liskeard put out a chimney fire in St Ive this afternoon. A crew attended a property at Glebe Estate at 5pm.

AN EXHIBITION showcasing the art works of vulnerable adults took place at the Drop in and Share Centre (DISC) in Camborne this week. Around 45 people saw the display on Wednesday created during a number of drop in sessions launched earlier this year. Project co-ordinator Karen Hill said activities such as these go a long way to giving a powerful voice to those who may otherwise not be heard. She said: "Our clients are not always attracted to traditional ways of working. DISC works to enhance and improve the quality of life for those most disadvantaged and most vulnerable. We have been offering the opportunity to explore and express ourselves while having fun in a safe environment." The sessions were supported by the Rosemullion Trust, a charitable organisation which concentrates on the prevention and relief of poverty, social exclusion and homelessness in Cornwall. "Thanks to the grant funding we were able to employ a qualified and experienced artist and tutor, Laura Wild who facilitated a series of ten art workshops.," Mrs Hill added. The sessions were enjoyed by clients, some of whom had not done anything like it since leaving school.

Fire crews were called to tackle a blaze in Probus earlier today. Several calls to the fire service had reported four sheds on fire at College Close in Probus at around 10.00am. Two appliances from Truro, one from St Austell and a Wholetime Officer had to use breathing apparatus, hosereels and a main jet to extinguish the fire. The cause was accidental.

DOROTHY from the Wizard of Oz led the Scarecrow down the yellow brick road to over 12 schools across Camborne, Pool and Redruth yesterday in search of tins for the Tinman. He was looking for food donations to take to the local foodbank to help local vulnerable families. While the Cowardly Lion had found the courage to speak out about local poverty, Mr Scarecrow asked pupils to help him remember why local families are struggling so much. The friends collected over 1,700 tins and additional packets of non perishable foods from the wonderful pupils and students across the area.

THERE'S a chance in a lifetime for Cornish musical talent to open the Jessie J shows at the Eden Sessions in July. Jessie J and the Eden Project are giving artists from Cornwall and Devon the opportunity to open the pop superstar's shows at on July 13 and 14. Jessie J herself will have the final say on who will play on the main stage at Eden in front of nearly 12,000 people over two nights. They will be the first to perform before Jessie's soon-to-be-announced special guest. Acts can enter by sending a YouTube link showcasing one of their tracks, along with a contact phone number to: jessiejcomp@edenproject.com. Audio visual and audio formats within YouTube are acceptable. Video or audio file attachments will not be accepted as entries. A shortlist of the best entries will be compiled by Eden Sessions promoter John Empson and top music writers Lee Trewhela (editor of the Cornish Guardian, West Briton and Cornishman's What's On supplements) and Jackie Butler (culture editor of the Western Morning News). Jessie J will then pick the winner from this shortlist. Entry is open to bands and musical artists based in Cornwall and Devon. To qualify, at least one permanent member of the entry must have their primary residence in one of the two counties. All entries must be received by midnight on June 10. Eden cannot take responsibility for lost, damaged, corrupted or undelivered entries. All entrants must be aged 16 years or over. Rita Broe, Eden's strategic marketing director, said: "There's a thriving music scene in the South West and we're very pleased to be able to give the opportunity for local acts to open Jessie J's Eden Sessions, especially as Jessie herself is such an advocate for new talent." Lee Trewhela added: "This will prove a remarkable experience for the winner. Who knows? It may be the start of an even more remarkable career in music." The Eden Sessions are entering their 12th year in 2013. Headliners this year are Eddie Izzard (June 3), Kaiser Chiefs (June 29), Sigur Rós (June 30), The xx (July 2) and Jessie J (July 13 and 14). Tickets to Jessie J's July 14 show are now sold out but a limited number are still available for the July 13 date costing £35 plus £5 booking fee. To book, contact the Eden box office on 01726 811972 or visit www.edensessions.com For the full list of competition terms and conditions, go to: www.edenproject.com/sessions/jessie-j-competition.php

THE LATEST arson attack on a derelict indoor go-kart track near Camborne has prompted a multi-agency initiative to investigate the blaze. Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service together with Safer Camborne scheme, set up to improve community safety and reduce crime and anti-social behaviour in the town, are meeting at the site in Tuckingmill next week to discuss the recent suspicious fires at the building. On Tuesday night eleven firefighters were called to the warehouse to deal with two small rubbish fires. Later that night crews from Camborne and Redruth were called to West Tolgus in Illogan to put out two cars and a caravan set on fire by vandals. Earlier this month firefighters from Camborne were called to Pendarvis Street to deal with a derelict building believed to have been set on fire by arsonists.

A new cycle and pedestrian route linking west Truro with the city centre has been officially opened. Youngsters from Treyew Primary School officially opened the Coosebean Greenway a 1.3km off-road path connecting St George's Road with Coosebean Lane and Treliske Lane. The Coosebean Greenway took around five months to build, costing £930,000. Councillor Bert Biscoe, Cornwall Council portfolio holder for Transport and Waste said: "I hope that this safe and peaceful route in the hurly burly of Truro will give busy workers and city dwellers the benefit of access to the enjoyment of this beautiful riverside woodland for very many years to come." The new link gives cyclists a safe alternative to the busy A390 and walkers a scenic walk through the countryside behind Malabar. The path also links with Malabar Road giving nearby residents off-road access to the city centre. Andy Hayers from Royal Cornwall Hospital Trust's Bicycle Users Group said: "The new Coosebean cycle route is a breath of fresh air for the two-wheeled commuters of Truro, finally allowing them to travel to work away from the perils of the main road at Highertown." Details of the Coosebean Greenway link and other cycle and walking routes in Truro are available in the new Truro Active Travel map. The map also has information about public transport in the city. To download the map, visit www.cornwall.gov.uk/activetravel

Furious protestors gathered at County Hall today to demand the resignation of a councillor who said disabled children "should be put down". Councillor Collin Brewer made the controversial statement in February. He had previously stood down from his position at Cornwall Council following public back-lash over the comment. But Mr Brewer was re-elected to Cornwall Council at the local elections earlier this month. Click here to read the full story and see the video of Protest at County Hall over Collin Brewer disability gaffe