Live updates for Devon and Cornwall have finished for the day, but we'll be back at 08:00 on Friday with the latest news, sport, travel and weather.
Don't forget Spotlight on BBC One later. There will also be news through the night on your BBC Local Radio station.
Cat-astrophe aversion for posted puss makes RSPCA's Top 10 rescues list
Andrew Segal
Local Live
A pet cat surviving eight days in a parcel, after being posted from Cornwall to West Sussex, is among this year's most memorable animal rescues, the RSPCA says.
BBCCopyright: BBC
The charity has drawn up a hall of fame of its Top 10 animal rescues of 2016, looking back at some of its most unusual call-outs of the year.
The list includes what could have been a cat-astrophe for Cupcake, who climbed into the parcel in March before it was taped up and sent 250 miles, leaving her owner "looking everywhere" for her.
The pair were reunited after the eight-year-old Siamese was unwrapped in Worthing and had her microchip scanned. She was scared and dehydrated but fine, vets said at the time.
Helping the homeless and chasing cows: All in a day's work for this policeman
Tonight will be mostly cloudy with hill fog. It will stay largely dry but a ground frost is likely, especially under any clearer spells. Minimum temperature: 2C (36F).
Friday will be largely cloudy, with a few breaks in the east. There will be some light rain or drizzle in the west and it will feel chilly. Maximum temperature: 10C (50F).
A pet cat from Cornwall which survived eight days in a parcel, after being posted to West Sussex, is among this year's most memorable animal rescues, the RSPCA says
Big wave surfer Tom Butler injuries: 'All this to get out of buying a Christmas present?'
Andrew Segal
Local Live
Surfer Tom Butler says he has been the butt of a few jokes since being crushed under tonnes of water at a big wave competition in Portugal.
The 27-year-old from Cornwall was in a World Surf League event at Nazare when he fell on the 30ft (10m) wave (he's pictured here in hospital).
Jack ButlerCopyright: Jack Butler
He was treated for a split ear, bruised ribs and suspected lung injury, but said he was "very grateful to not be hurt worse".
He added: "The best joke I've had? My mum last night: 'Jeez, Tom. I can't believe you took it that far to not buy me a Christmas present'."
He added that another comment he received was: "You'll do anything to get out of peeling them Christmas potatoes!"
Construction industry jitters after Sherford firm issues profit warning
One of the firms involved in building the huge new town at Sherford near Plymouth has issued a profit warning, causing concern that the construction sector is in decline.
Students' warship tool transporter a 'brilliant solution'
Sixth form students have been praised for designing a device to move tools around a warship.
Stoke Damerel Community CollegeCopyright: Stoke Damerel Community College
Stoke Damerel Community College said the four Year 13 students presented their load transfer device to an audience of more than 100 safety managers at Devonport Dockyard earlier this month. They had been working on the device since September 2015.
The students gave a 15-minute presentation outlining how they had created their project, detailing how the winch operated system solved a real-world issue.
Babcock's Devonport Operations Director Chris Tomkins said: "The students have come up with a brilliant solution."
Exeter Cathedral Visitation: Analysis
Hamish Marshall
BBC Spotlight
The Bishop of Exeter says the city's cathedral is moving forward after a report found discontent among staff and worshippers.
The report - or Visitation - published in September, called for a change of culture at the top of the cathedral.
BBCCopyright: BBC
But it's not just the findings of the Visitation which was important: it was the fact it was held in the first place, after Bishop Robert Atwell commissioned it soon after he took up the post in 2014.
It was the first such report in more than half a century, and the depth of the problems it found included widespread feelings of discontent with the Dean, and "acute" financial problems.
Bishop Robert wants a progress report from the chair of the Cathedral Council, which governs the institution, next April.
St Austell deaths: Burglary arrest at scene of bodies find
Andrew Segal
Local Live
A 22-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of burglary by police investigating the discovery of bodies in a flat in St Austell, police say.
BBCCopyright: BBC
The bodies of a 31-year-old man - named locally as Paul McGrath - and a 22-year-old man previously from Plymouth were found in the property in Tregonissey Road on Wednesday afternoon.
Police said the arrested man was taken into custody after being detained at the scene but later released on bail.
The causes of death are being treated as "unexplained". A post-mortem is due to take place on Friday, police said.
Big wave surfer Butler tumbled 'for some time' in crushing wave
Jonathan Morris
BBC News Online
Surfer Tom Butler said he tumbled "for some time" after being crushed under tonnes of water at a big wave competition in Portugal.
Jack ButlerCopyright: Jack Butler
The 27-year-old from Cornwall was in a World Surf League event at Nazare when he fell on the 30ft (10m) wave (pictured here just afterwards). He was treated for a split ear, bruised ribs and suspected lung injury.
He said: "A square cubic metre of water weighs a tonne, so anyone... will see quite a few tonnes coming down on my head. It knocked the wind out of me and tumbled me for some time, but I've been in that situation before when a big wave's landed on me."
He said that dealing with such a situation was "all about staying calm, quite relaxed and just trusting your training". He added: "I also wear a vest which inflates, which I can pull to bring myself up to the top."
Utilities bosses say several months of engineering work to replace gas pipes in Exmouth are "essential" because they "will make sure that local homes and businesses continue to receive a safe and reliable gas supply... for years to come".
Wales & West Utilities is due to to start work on a £175,000 scheme to replace 760m (2,500ft) of metal pipes with plastic ones on 4 January. The project included working along Exeter Road and was "expected to be finished by the summer", the company said.
Engineers said they hoped to "make sure there is the minimum disruption to the local community and road users".
Call to stop bringing rescue dogs back to UK from Europe
Andrea Ormsby
BBC Spotlight
A dog charity in Devon is calling for people to stop bringing rescue dogs back from abroad.
BBCCopyright: BBC
The founder of K9 Focus said the growing number of dogs being brought in from Europe was making an existing crisis even worse.
But one couple have defended their decision, saying conditions abroad are far worse than in the UK.
St Austell deaths: Man named locally as Paul McGrath described as a 'kind, caring bloke'
If you've got a craft you'd like to share with the county email us.
BBCCopyright: BBC
BBCCopyright: BBC
Two lanes on M5 in Somerset closed: Warning for motorists heading to Devon and Cornwall
BBC Travel
Two lanes on the M5 in Somerset are closed and there's queuing traffic southbound between J21, A370 (Weston-Super-Mare) and J22, A38 (Burnham-On-Sea), because of a multi-vehicle accident. Congestion to J20, B3133 (Clevedon).
Plans to reopen old tin mine at Kelly Bray
Neil Gallacher, Business & Industry Correspondent
BBC Spotlight
Community leaders in east Cornwall have reacted positively to the news that an old tin mine might reopen.
BBCCopyright: BBC
An international joint venture has been formed to reopen the old Redmoor mine at Kelly Bray, which is on the edge of an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Residents' groups said there was some concern about the environmental impact, but the economic impact could outweigh that.
Live Reporting
Andrew Segal
All times stated are UK
Get involved
BBCCopyright: BBC View more on twitterView more on twitter View more on twitterView more on twitter - A 22-year-old man is arrested on suspicion of burglary by police investigating the discovery of two bodies in St Austell
- It's hoped that Torquay man Chris Tester who was shot in the head whilst in Antigua can be flown back to the UK in a few days, a family friend says
- Cornwall surfer Tom Butler describes being crushed under tonnes of water at a big wave competition in Portugal
- A pet cat from Cornwall which survived eight days in a parcel, after being posted to West Sussex, is among this year's most memorable animal rescues, the RSPCA says
Jack ButlerCopyright: Jack Butler Stoke Damerel Community CollegeCopyright: Stoke Damerel Community College BBCCopyright: BBC BBCCopyright: BBC Jack ButlerCopyright: Jack Butler View more on twitterView more on twitter BBCCopyright: BBC BBCCopyright: BBC BBCCopyright: BBC BBCCopyright: BBC
Latest PostOur live coverage across the day
Live updates for Devon and Cornwall have finished for the day, but we'll be back at 08:00 on Friday with the latest news, sport, travel and weather.
Don't forget Spotlight on BBC One later. There will also be news through the night on your BBC Local Radio station.
Cat-astrophe aversion for posted puss makes RSPCA's Top 10 rescues list
Andrew Segal
Local Live
A pet cat surviving eight days in a parcel, after being posted from Cornwall to West Sussex, is among this year's most memorable animal rescues, the RSPCA says.
The charity has drawn up a hall of fame of its Top 10 animal rescues of 2016, looking back at some of its most unusual call-outs of the year.
The list includes what could have been a cat-astrophe for Cupcake, who climbed into the parcel in March before it was taped up and sent 250 miles, leaving her owner "looking everywhere" for her.
The pair were reunited after the eight-year-old Siamese was unwrapped in Worthing and had her microchip scanned. She was scared and dehydrated but fine, vets said at the time.
Helping the homeless and chasing cows: All in a day's work for this policeman
Latest weather: Staying cloudy and some rain
BBC Weather
Tonight will be mostly cloudy with hill fog. It will stay largely dry but a ground frost is likely, especially under any clearer spells. Minimum temperature: 2C (36F).
Friday will be largely cloudy, with a few breaks in the east. There will be some light rain or drizzle in the west and it will feel chilly. Maximum temperature: 10C (50F).
Drunken thug who spat in cop's mouth is jailed
Plymouth Herald
A drunken thug spat in the face and mouth of a policeman after stealing a woman's purse on the day he was released from prison, a court heard.
Latest headlines for Devon and Cornwall
Andrew Segal
Local Live
Big wave surfer Tom Butler injuries: 'All this to get out of buying a Christmas present?'
Andrew Segal
Local Live
Surfer Tom Butler says he has been the butt of a few jokes since being crushed under tonnes of water at a big wave competition in Portugal.
The 27-year-old from Cornwall was in a World Surf League event at Nazare when he fell on the 30ft (10m) wave (he's pictured here in hospital).
He was treated for a split ear, bruised ribs and suspected lung injury, but said he was "very grateful to not be hurt worse".
He added: "The best joke I've had? My mum last night: 'Jeez, Tom. I can't believe you took it that far to not buy me a Christmas present'."
He added that another comment he received was: "You'll do anything to get out of peeling them Christmas potatoes!"
Construction industry jitters after Sherford firm issues profit warning
Plymouth Herald
One of the firms involved in building the huge new town at Sherford near Plymouth has issued a profit warning, causing concern that the construction sector is in decline.
Students' warship tool transporter a 'brilliant solution'
BBC Radio Devon
Sixth form students have been praised for designing a device to move tools around a warship.
Stoke Damerel Community College said the four Year 13 students presented their load transfer device to an audience of more than 100 safety managers at Devonport Dockyard earlier this month. They had been working on the device since September 2015.
The students gave a 15-minute presentation outlining how they had created their project, detailing how the winch operated system solved a real-world issue.
Babcock's Devonport Operations Director Chris Tomkins said: "The students have come up with a brilliant solution."
Exeter Cathedral Visitation: Analysis
Hamish Marshall
BBC Spotlight
The Bishop of Exeter says the city's cathedral is moving forward after a report found discontent among staff and worshippers.
The report - or Visitation - published in September, called for a change of culture at the top of the cathedral.
But it's not just the findings of the Visitation which was important: it was the fact it was held in the first place, after Bishop Robert Atwell commissioned it soon after he took up the post in 2014.
It was the first such report in more than half a century, and the depth of the problems it found included widespread feelings of discontent with the Dean, and "acute" financial problems.
Bishop Robert wants a progress report from the chair of the Cathedral Council, which governs the institution, next April.
St Austell deaths: Burglary arrest at scene of bodies find
Andrew Segal
Local Live
A 22-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of burglary by police investigating the discovery of bodies in a flat in St Austell, police say.
The bodies of a 31-year-old man - named locally as Paul McGrath - and a 22-year-old man previously from Plymouth were found in the property in Tregonissey Road on Wednesday afternoon.
Police said the arrested man was taken into custody after being detained at the scene but later released on bail.
The causes of death are being treated as "unexplained". A post-mortem is due to take place on Friday, police said.
Plymouth's clubland sees huge fall in crime
Plymouth Herald
Violence and vandalism has fallen significantly in Plymouth's clubland – and drug possession offences are down by a whopping 76%.
Big wave surfer Butler tumbled 'for some time' in crushing wave
Jonathan Morris
BBC News Online
Surfer Tom Butler said he tumbled "for some time" after being crushed under tonnes of water at a big wave competition in Portugal.
The 27-year-old from Cornwall was in a World Surf League event at Nazare when he fell on the 30ft (10m) wave (pictured here just afterwards). He was treated for a split ear, bruised ribs and suspected lung injury.
He said: "A square cubic metre of water weighs a tonne, so anyone... will see quite a few tonnes coming down on my head. It knocked the wind out of me and tumbled me for some time, but I've been in that situation before when a big wave's landed on me."
He said that dealing with such a situation was "all about staying calm, quite relaxed and just trusting your training". He added: "I also wear a vest which inflates, which I can pull to bring myself up to the top."
Drugs bust in Newquay
Months of Exmouth gas pipe replacement works 'essential'
BBC Radio Devon
Utilities bosses say several months of engineering work to replace gas pipes in Exmouth are "essential" because they "will make sure that local homes and businesses continue to receive a safe and reliable gas supply... for years to come".
Wales & West Utilities is due to to start work on a £175,000 scheme to replace 760m (2,500ft) of metal pipes with plastic ones on 4 January. The project included working along Exeter Road and was "expected to be finished by the summer", the company said.
Engineers said they hoped to "make sure there is the minimum disruption to the local community and road users".
Call to stop bringing rescue dogs back to UK from Europe
Andrea Ormsby
BBC Spotlight
A dog charity in Devon is calling for people to stop bringing rescue dogs back from abroad.
The founder of K9 Focus said the growing number of dogs being brought in from Europe was making an existing crisis even worse.
But one couple have defended their decision, saying conditions abroad are far worse than in the UK.
St Austell deaths: Man named locally as Paul McGrath described as a 'kind, caring bloke'
Cornwall Live
One of the two men found dead in a flat in St Austell has been named locally as 31-year-old Paul McGrath.
Knitting Live: The final steps to make a headband
Janet Kipling
BBC Radio Devon
I'm bringing you Knitting Live this crafternoon on BBC Radio Devon.
Joining me in the studio is BBC journalist and expert crafter Louise Walter for a beginners guide to knitting. You can see the first three steps on how to create a basic headband here. The final two steps are below.
If you've got a craft you'd like to share with the county email us.
Two lanes on M5 in Somerset closed: Warning for motorists heading to Devon and Cornwall
BBC Travel
Two lanes on the M5 in Somerset are closed and there's queuing traffic southbound between J21, A370 (Weston-Super-Mare) and J22, A38 (Burnham-On-Sea), because of a multi-vehicle accident. Congestion to J20, B3133 (Clevedon).
Plans to reopen old tin mine at Kelly Bray
Neil Gallacher, Business & Industry Correspondent
BBC Spotlight
Community leaders in east Cornwall have reacted positively to the news that an old tin mine might reopen.
An international joint venture has been formed to reopen the old Redmoor mine at Kelly Bray, which is on the edge of an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Residents' groups said there was some concern about the environmental impact, but the economic impact could outweigh that.