As it happened: West of England

A woman who was attacked by a former partner has urged other domestic abuse victims to speak out.

Earlier we showed you the shocking pictures of Caroline Way from Axbridge, Somerset, who was left with a broken jaw, a cracked eye socket and two black eyes. 

She took photos of her injuries and decided to release them publicly to try to help others enduring violence at the hands of their partners.

Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images

Gloucester have signed full-back Jason Woodward from relegated Bristol for next season.

The New Zealand-born 26-year-old was called up to an England strength and conditioning training camp on Sunday.

He made 17 Premiership appearances for Bristol in 2016-17, scoring four tries and contributing a total of 85 points.

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Gloucester sign Bristol back Woodward

Premiership side Gloucester add full-back Jason Woodward from relegated rivals Bristol for next season.

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The organisers of Wincanton Races have had to cancel Thursday's fixture... because the track is too dry.

The meet planned for the following Thursday, 16 May, has been moved to Warwick.

The British Horseracing Authority has authorised the transfer of the entire fixture, citing low reservoir levels at Wincanton.

Dick DanielsCopyright: Dick Daniels

A critically endangered species of bird has laid eggs for the first time in more than a decade at a Gloucestershire tourist attraction.

The Bali mynah, also known as Bali starling or Rothschild’s mynah, has laid the eggs at Birdland in Bourton-on-the-Water.

In 2001 there were only about six left in the wild on their native island of Bali, Indonesia, although conservation efforts have since increased that number.  

There are now about 700 held in zoos and bird parks throughout the world, with 28 collections in the UK -  all are part of an internationally co-ordinated captive breeding programme.

Keepers at Birdland are hoping the eggs will hatch in the next few days.

Earlier, we told you that a family support worker who used to work for North Somerset Council has admitted bribery charges.

Androulla Farr sold the details of a child's whereabouts to its birth mother for £2,000.

Here's what North Somerset Council says...

Quote Message: Androulla Farr left North Somerset Council in 2006. We have been helping the police with their enquiries regarding this case. from North Somerset Council

Androulla Farr left North Somerset Council in 2006. We have been helping the police with their enquiries regarding this case.

Two enthusiasts are recreating a road trip made more than 50 years ago in three-wheeled cars. 

Geoff Dabrowa and Barry Jones, from Cambridgeshire, are hoping to cover more than 1,500 miles around the UK in just over a week. 

They are recreating the journey that Bob Currie and Andre Baldet made in 1960, which took three days and included driving through one night. 

The 57-year-old 328cc Berkeley T60s set off from Berkeley Castle in Gloucestershire this morning.

The journey which will take them as far north as Inverness, before turning south to reach Berkeley Close in Biggleswade, Bedfordshire — the site of the former Berkeley car factory.

BBCCopyright: BBC

A team of rowers is due to set off later this month in an attempt to row around the coast of the UK, non-stop and unaided. 

Two members of the team of four are from Somerset and one is from Bristol. 

The friends will set off from London on 27 May in an attempt to beat the current world record.

Tim Bowles assumed office as the first Mayor of the West of England today.

Here's a bit more about his history.

A former family support worker at North Somerset Council has admitted selling details of an adopted child's whereabouts to its birth mother.

Androulla Farr, 50, of West Wick, Weston-super-Mare, today pleaded guilty to one count of bribery/corruption at North Somerset Magistrates’ Court.  

Farr accepted the £2,000 bribe, even though the child's details were protected by an adoption order.

She is due before Bristol Crown Court for sentencing on 6 June.

Jaggery/GeographCopyright: Jaggery/Geograph

It's all looking pretty tranquil at Chew Valley lake today where the swans are soaking up the rays.

Thanks to Mike Pottow for sending in this shot.

Mike PottowCopyright: Mike Pottow

Bristol Water says reservoir levels are lower than normal and it's monitoring the situation following the prolonged dry weather.

A spokesman said it will have to re-assess if the dry spell continues.

The Environment Agency meanwhile has asked people to use water wisely, but says there are no supply issues at the moment.

Environment AgencyCopyright: Environment Agency

Quote Message: The Environment Agency, water companies, businesses and farmers are working together to minimise any potential impacts to people and the environment should the dry weather continue. from Environment Agency

The Environment Agency, water companies, businesses and farmers are working together to minimise any potential impacts to people and the environment should the dry weather continue.

Mayor of Bristol Marvin Rees has offered the new West of England metro mayor Tim Bowles his congratulations after Thursday's election victory.

Conservative Mr Bowles (pictured below, second from the left) was sworn in as the combined authority mayor this morning. 

Mr Rees (pictured on the right) joined the ceremony alongside Bath and North East Somerset leader Tim Warren (second from right) and South Gloucestershire leader Matthew Riddle (left).

A pony centre in Exmoor that faced closure has been saved by overwhelming public support. 

Trustees announced the Exmoor Pony Centre near Dulverton could close at the end of the summer unless £20,000 was raised, but crowdfunding brought in more than that amount in just eight days. 

The centre helps unwanted wild Exmoor pony foals facing slaughter each autumn.

Avon and Somerset PoliceCopyright: Avon and Somerset Police

A councillor in Bath has been jailed for 33 months for his part in a cannabis drugs ring.

Donal Hassett, 57, was accused of acting as the 'property fixer' — using fake paperwork to rent four homes which were turned into cannabis factories.

He was convicted at Bristol Crown Court in February of conspiring to produce cannabis between January 2015 and March 2016.

Hassett, of Southdown Road, Bath, was suspended from the Conservative Party when he was charged. 

BBCCopyright: BBC

The family of a rider seriously injured in a fall at Badminton Horse Trials say she is improving.

Forty-year-old Emily Gilruth, from Malpas in Cheshire, fell at the third fence of the cross-country course on Saturday and suffered a brain injury.

She is being cared for at Southmead Hospital in Bristol.

Her family issued a statement via British Eventing to thank well-wishers for their support and messages.

They also paid tribute to Badminton's medical team and staff in the intensive care unit at Southmead.

Quote Message: The doctors are pleased with her progress. She has had a stable night and remains under sedation. from Emily Gilruth's family

The doctors are pleased with her progress. She has had a stable night and remains under sedation.

BBCCopyright: BBC

There's a new man in charge of the ruling Conservative party at Somerset County Council. 

They have made David Fothergill leader after their election victory last week. 

He's been on the council for eight years and was cabinet member responsible for highways. 

He takes over from John Osman, who lost his Wells seat last Thursday to former Lib Dem MP Tessa Munt.