Hospital parking arrangements 'example of really good practice'
BBCCopyright: BBC
Parking arrangements at Bristol's Southmead Hospital have been praised by the RAC.
It said automatic number plate recognition technology and the ability to pay by using credit or debit cards is an example of "really good practice".
It also highlighted a free patient drop-off zone, available for 20 minutes, and "cheaper" seven-day passes.
The news comes as the motoring organisation suggested too many hospitals in England have "unreasonable" rules
that cause unnecessary stress
when it comes to car parking.
One late change for Gloucester Rugby with Sione Kalamafoni coming in for Ross Moriarty, who is unwell.
Billy Twelvetrees takes over from the injured Billy Burns in the halves, Mark Atkinson comes into the centres, while in the pack Motu Matu'u plays hooker and John Afoa at tighthead prop.
When you invite a random Joe from Stockport on holiday
Passport, check
Sunglasses, check
All 10 friends? Nope
That's what happened to a group of 10 Bristolians who suddenly had a friend drop out of their holiday to Majorca.
They took to Facebook and approached every "Joe McGrath" they could find, in an attempt to fill the original Joe's place.
Joe McGrath from Stockport was the first person to say yes, and joined the group on a freebie holiday to Majorca, showing off his dance moves in the process.
Police 'so happy' to find woman missing for three days
A police officer said he was "so happy" to find an elderly woman who has been missing for three days.
PC Rich Holland said when he saw 71-year-old Hazel Denham sitting by a tree in Toadsmoor Woods, near Minchinhampton, he "climbed over the fence and gave her a big hug".
Gloucestershire Police said Mrs Denham was in "good spirits but very dehydrated".
Her dog Bertie, who was also missing, was by her side.
Actor Tim Pigott-Smith dies aged 70
Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images
British actor Tim Pigott-Smith, who was best known for his Bafta-winning role in 1984 TV series The Jewel in the Crown, has died aged 70.
His agent described him as "one of the greatest actors of his generation".
Having trained as an actor at the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School, he appeared in numerous Shakespearean stage productions and had TV roles in The Vice, Bloody Sunday, Downton Abbey and Doctor Who.
On the big screen he notably appeared in Clash of the Titans, V for Vendetta and James Bond film Quantum of Solace.
'Only one was stupid enough to reply, and that was me'
Joe McGrathCopyright: Joe McGrath
A group of Bristol friends asked a complete stranger to accompany them to Majorca in place of a friend - with the same name - who had dropped out.
The "new" Joe McGrath only had to fill in his passport details at check-in in order to go on the three-day holiday, and said he
thought it was a bit of a joke at first
.
Quote Message:
They messaged 15 other Joe McGraths on Facebook and only one was stupid enough to reply, and that was me. After a couple of days debate and re-assuring myself it was a legit offer for a free trip, I decided to take the plunge and drove down to Bristol on Saturday. I must be a bit mad. I was fully up for it.
from Joe McGrath
They messaged 15 other Joe McGraths on Facebook and only one was stupid enough to reply, and that was me. After a couple of days debate and re-assuring myself it was a legit offer for a free trip, I decided to take the plunge and drove down to Bristol on Saturday. I must be a bit mad. I was fully up for it.
Man jailed over single punch killing
Wiltshire POlice Copyright: Wiltshire POlice
A man has been
jailed for eight years
after killing a man with a single punch during a night out in Swindon.
At Bristol Crown Court last month Marcin Koscielniak, 28, of Westlea in Swindon, was found guilty of the manslaughter of the father-of-three.
The victim, Polish national Grzegorz Beyer, had recently moved to Swindon to start a new life and was described by loved ones as a "wonderful family man".
Mr Beyer, 40, was attacked in the town on 2 May and died two days later.
Football: Bristol City v Wolves (Saturday)
Rex FeaturesCopyright: Rex Features
Bristol City welcome in-form Wolves to Ashton Gate tomorrow.
The hosts start the day just a point clear of trouble, 10 points behind Wolves, who have leapt clear of the bottom three with five straight league victories, having failed to win any of the previous six.
Quote Message:
"Everything is in our hands. We have got four games to come. We all want that Championship status. "It is not going to be easy but we have got to dig in and go to the wire. "We can have discussions at the end of the season and lay everything out in the open. In the meantime, it is very important that we stay together."
from Lee Johnson Bristol City head coach
"Everything is in our hands. We have got four games to come. We all want that Championship status. "It is not going to be easy but we have got to dig in and go to the wire. "We can have discussions at the end of the season and lay everything out in the open. In the meantime, it is very important that we stay together."
Castle Bridge named and opened
Castle Bridge is now open to the public.
The winning name was announced earlier today after a public vote led to a shortlist including Brewery Bridge, New Brigstow Bridge and the winning name.
Live Reporting
All times stated are UK
Get involved
View more on twitterView more on twitter View more on twitterView more on twitter BBCCopyright: BBC Dominic Winter Auctioneers LtdCopyright: Dominic Winter Auctioneers Ltd View more on twitterView more on twitter View more on twitterView more on twitter - Passport, check
- Sunglasses, check
- All 10 friends? Nope
Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images View more on twitterView more on twitter View more on twitterView more on twitter Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images Joe McGrathCopyright: Joe McGrath Wiltshire POlice Copyright: Wiltshire POlice Rex FeaturesCopyright: Rex Features
Latest PostWoman found after three-day search 'an absolute miracle'
After three nights out in the cold, the chances of finding Hazel Denham alive were fading - but that's exactly what happened.
She had disappeared near Minchinhampton Common while taking her dog - Bertie - for a walk.
A police officer was so delighted to see her he ran up and gave her hug - her faithful pet had stayed with her throughout.
And despite overnight temperatures close to freezing, Hazel is recovering well.
And that's it for BBC Local Live for the West this week. Join us again on Monday from 7am for more news, sport, weather and travel updates.
Rugby: Newcastle sneak the win with just seconds to play
Hospital parking arrangements 'example of really good practice'
Parking arrangements at Bristol's Southmead Hospital have been praised by the RAC.
It said automatic number plate recognition technology and the ability to pay by using credit or debit cards is an example of "really good practice".
It also highlighted a free patient drop-off zone, available for 20 minutes, and "cheaper" seven-day passes.
The news comes as the motoring organisation suggested too many hospitals in England have "unreasonable" rules that cause unnecessary stress when it comes to car parking.
Royal signatures photo sold for £1,600
A rare photograph signed by the Queen and Prince Charles bought for £20 at a Cardiff bric-a-brac store has sold for £1,600 at auction.
The image showed the two royals with members of the Privy Council after a meeting at Buckingham Palace in 1981.
It had a guide price of £1,000 but it was sold for £1,600 by Dominic Winter Auctioneers in South Cerney, Gloucestershire.
The frame is signed by George Thomas, 1st Viscount Tonypandy, who is pictured second on the right in the front row.
Chris Albury, auctioneer and senior valuer, said it was the first time he had seen something signed by more than one member of the royal family.
Foodbank in Swindon struggling with demand
Swindon Foodbank has put out an urgent appeal for donations after seeing an increase in people using the service.
The organisation blames the benefit cap, benefit cuts and delays to payments.
Remembering Bristol's former pubs
Some of these pub names will definitely ring familiar with some people in Bristol:
Gavin Roberts has spent the last nine years documenting how pubs across Bristol are changing and declining.
His photography project has covered modern post-war pubs as well as Victorian buildings.
In many cases, they were simply abandoned before being demolished. Others became supermarkets or houses.
Gavin said it was sad how pubs often make way for housing developments because of the large spacious plots they sit on.
Classroom not court for drug users
Avon and Somerset Constabulary is offering awareness courses in place of prosecution for people caught with drugs.
Those who complete the course walk away without a criminal record.
So far, nearly 400 people have taken the course and police claim it's a success.
Rugby: All square at half-time
'Pipes and pizza' encourages young organists
An idea using pizza to persuade young people to take up the church organ has had some success.
Anna, 12, went along to one of the "Pipes and Pizza" workshops at Edington Priory Church, near Westbury, three years ago.
She's just passed her grade four organ exam with distinction. Well done Anna!
Organ tutor Chris Totney said the idea had turned out to be "really fruitful".
Gloucester Rugby team news (8pm kick-off)
One late change for Gloucester Rugby with Sione Kalamafoni coming in for Ross Moriarty, who is unwell.
Billy Twelvetrees takes over from the injured Billy Burns in the halves, Mark Atkinson comes into the centres, while in the pack Motu Matu'u plays hooker and John Afoa at tighthead prop.
Gloucester: Marshall; Sharples, Trinder, Atkinson, May; Twelvetrees, Heinz (capt); McAllister, Matu'u, Afoa; Savage, Galarza; Kalamafoni, Rowan, Morgan.
Replacements: Hibbard, Thomas, Hohneck, Denton, Ludlow, Braley, Evans, Purdy.
When you invite a random Joe from Stockport on holiday
That's what happened to a group of 10 Bristolians who suddenly had a friend drop out of their holiday to Majorca.
They took to Facebook and approached every "Joe McGrath" they could find, in an attempt to fill the original Joe's place.
Joe McGrath from Stockport was the first person to say yes, and joined the group on a freebie holiday to Majorca, showing off his dance moves in the process.
Cricket: Lower-order runs frustrate Gloucestershire's bowlers
Kent's lower order struck valuable runs to frustrate Gloucestershire's bowlers on an even opening day at Chelmsford.
James Tredwell (26) and James Harris (33 not out), pictured above, helped Kent recover from 154-5 to reach 298 all out.
Liam Norwell (3-46) was the pick of Gloucestershire's bowlers, who reached 9-1 at the close.
Road through Nailsworth closes for 12 nights
The A46 will be closed overnight for the next 12 days , through Nailsworth, for resurfacing work.
Around 1,000 tonnes of asphalt is being laid on the Stroud Road and Bath Road.
Night closures will be in place between 7pm and 7am and the road will be open as normal during the weekends.
A signed diversion will be in place during the closure.
Appeal to find men who helped sexual assault victim
Police 'so happy' to find woman missing for three days
A police officer said he was "so happy" to find an elderly woman who has been missing for three days.
PC Rich Holland said when he saw 71-year-old Hazel Denham sitting by a tree in Toadsmoor Woods, near Minchinhampton, he "climbed over the fence and gave her a big hug".
Gloucestershire Police said Mrs Denham was in "good spirits but very dehydrated".
Her dog Bertie, who was also missing, was by her side.
Actor Tim Pigott-Smith dies aged 70
British actor Tim Pigott-Smith, who was best known for his Bafta-winning role in 1984 TV series The Jewel in the Crown, has died aged 70.
His agent described him as "one of the greatest actors of his generation".
Having trained as an actor at the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School, he appeared in numerous Shakespearean stage productions and had TV roles in The Vice, Bloody Sunday, Downton Abbey and Doctor Who.
On the big screen he notably appeared in Clash of the Titans, V for Vendetta and James Bond film Quantum of Solace.
'Only one was stupid enough to reply, and that was me'
A group of Bristol friends asked a complete stranger to accompany them to Majorca in place of a friend - with the same name - who had dropped out.
The "new" Joe McGrath only had to fill in his passport details at check-in in order to go on the three-day holiday, and said he thought it was a bit of a joke at first .
Man jailed over single punch killing
A man has been jailed for eight years after killing a man with a single punch during a night out in Swindon.
At Bristol Crown Court last month Marcin Koscielniak, 28, of Westlea in Swindon, was found guilty of the manslaughter of the father-of-three.
The victim, Polish national Grzegorz Beyer, had recently moved to Swindon to start a new life and was described by loved ones as a "wonderful family man".
Mr Beyer, 40, was attacked in the town on 2 May and died two days later.
Football: Bristol City v Wolves (Saturday)
Bristol City welcome in-form Wolves to Ashton Gate tomorrow.
The hosts start the day just a point clear of trouble, 10 points behind Wolves, who have leapt clear of the bottom three with five straight league victories, having failed to win any of the previous six.
Castle Bridge named and opened
Castle Bridge is now open to the public.
The winning name was announced earlier today after a public vote led to a shortlist including Brewery Bridge, New Brigstow Bridge and the winning name.