Friday 26th June

Friday, 26 June 2026 06:30

The hottest June day on record has been recorded in Somerset. A teenage boy has been found not guilty of killing a nine-year-old girl. Tatworth Primary School has been recognised for its success in science education... and more

The hottest June day on record has been recorded in Somerset. The Met Office says temperatures reached 36.7 Celsius at Merryfield yesterday afternoon. Other locations around the county recorded similar figures.

Meanwhile, a yellow weather warning is in place for thunderstorms today, following the red heat alert over the last 48 hours. The alert is Somerset-wide and parts of the county that were affected by flash flooding earlier in the month are hoping not to see similar events this time around.

A teenage boy has been found not guilty of killing a nine-year-old girl in her home in Weston-Super-Mare. The 16-year-old, who can't be named due to his age, was on trial accused of murder and manslaughter, following the death of Aria Thorpe. A jury returned verdicts of not guilty on both charges, at Bristol Crown Court. A pathologist previously told the court that Aria died of a single stab wound to her chest on the 15th of December last year.

Housing developers should provide more money to help prevent flooding in Somerset, say the Parrett Internal Drainage Board. They’ve called for new local housing developments to receive permanent pumps, rather than relying on temporary systems. The Environment Agency is currently investing £9m into upgrading existing pumping stations across the county.

A half-day road closure is planned in Stoke-sub-Hamdon next month. The High Street will be closed from the junction with Ham Hill to allow Wessex Water to carry out works.

Teachers, alongside parents and pupils at Tatworth Primary School in Chard are celebrating, after being recognised for their success in science education. The school is one of 136 educational institutions that have achieved the Primary Science Quality Mark for a commitment to excellence in science leadership, curriculum design, teaching and learning.

More from News

Tuesday 15th September

Police investigating an attack on a shop worker in Yeovil have released CCTV images of a man and woman they want to speak to. Farmers in Somerset are being warned to expect more cases of bluetongue. Ilminster Carnival Committee has announced the cancellation of this year's Children's Carnival due to a lack of entries... and more
Monday 14th September

Two new mobile NHS breast screening units have taken to the road in Somerset. More than 700 new homes are to be built alongside the M5 in Bridgwater. Dawes Twineworks in West Coker is one of several venues open to the public for free this month... and more
Friday 11th September

It’s going to cost more to park in Chard. Police have issued an image of a man they want to speak to in connection with two burglaries in Yeovil. Somerset Cricket Club is planning to stage performances by some of the world's biggest artistes at their Taunton ground... and more
Thursday 10th September

Work has begun building a new multi-million-pound David Lloyd leisure centre in Yeovil. NHS Somerset says a new system to handle emergency stroke care will lead to "better outcomes" for patients. Tickets for next year’s Glastonbury Festival will go on sale in October...and more
Wednesday 9th September

Police have released an image of a man they want to speak to following an assault in Yeovil. Businesses in Taunton say they're worried that planned changes to parking rules could put people off visiting the town. The Red Arrows will take to the skies near the Somerset border in a one-off display later this week... and more
Tuesday 8th September

Police in Avon and Somerset say they’re dealing with a big increase in reports of cloned vehicle fraud. A new video system designed to speed up stroke care has been launched in Somerset. Pilgrims are walking through Somerset this week to mark eight hundred years since the death of Saint Francis of Assisi... and more
Monday 7th September

Avon and Somerset Police are warning about a new scam involving criminals posing as police officers. Flu vaccinations are now available on the NHS ahead of the winter. Liverpool comedian John Bishop has cancelled his show in Taunton later this week after breaking his ankle... and more
Friday 4th September

Police are investigating a suspected arson attack on a vehicle near Shepton Mallet. New taxi charges come into force in Somerset later this month. The fire service is treating as accidental a blaze at a flat in Yeovil town centre... and more