By Jill Dando News Christmas cards designed by children in foster care, highlighting what Christmas means to them, were the star of Barnardo’s festive offering this year – showcasing the work of budding young artists across the UK. The card collection – which has proved incredibly popular – is raising vital funds
By Zoe, 13, Jill Dando News Correspondent King Alfred School Academy in Highbridge held its annual awards evening on Wednesday (18th December), celebrating the outstanding achievements of students from the past academic year. Families, staff, and students gathered to recognise excellence across a range of academic, sporting, and extracurricular pursuits.
By Jill Dando News The community surrounding Willowdown Primary School in Bridgwater, Somerset, has shown incredible generosity this Christmas, raising more than £500 to support the school and its pupils. In an extraordinary display of teamwork and festive spirit, the school’s Student Council kick-started the initiative by voting to
By Jill Dando News Australia Zoo’s adorable animals are excited to celebrate Christmas with seasonal treats and enrichments, while the reopening of the world-famous Crocoseum adds even more holiday cheer this season! As part of the holiday festivities, Australia Zoo is treating our resident wildlife to an array of
By Jill Dando News Callun Purnell, a Google five-star rated, rapidly emerging expert in the UK’s solar energy sector, is celebrating his most successful year to date as demand for his services continues to soar across the South West and beyond. Driven by the UK’s booming adoption of
By Jaiden, 13, Jill Dando News Correspondent Priory Community School in Weston Super Mare held a special Christmas Concert on Thursday 19th December. Raising the cheer whilst receiving donated items for Weston Foodbank, the concert supported the local organisation as the school’s charity of the year. Foodbank provides three
By Jill Dando News Bristol resident Matt Hill will attempt a grueling 24-hour tyre flip challenge at Whitchurch Aerodrome this weekend, aiming to raise funds for Variety, the Children's Charity. Beginning at 8:30 AM on Saturday, December 21st, Hill will flip a 100kg tyre continuously, hoping to
By Jill Dando News The holiday spirit came roaring in at Animals Asia’s Vietnam sanctuaries, where over 200 rescued bears celebrated the end of the year, and their newfound freedom, with a party that was as heartwarming as it was “un-bear-lievably” joyous. With their playful paws and curious noses,
By Jill Dando News Lifeboat crew from Chiswick RNLI were called to help breakfast radio DJ Jordan North when he got into trouble in the River Thames after he rescued a dog struggling in the water. On Monday (December 16) at 5.05pm a member of the public raised the
By Jill Dando News In a heartwarming tribute to community service, the Donate For Defib WsM Project honored Tich, a dedicated steward at the Weston Super Mare Social Club, for his extraordinary support in promoting life-saving cardiac awareness. On Thursday, project leaders presented Tich with a special certificate, recognizing his
By Amelie, 13, Jill Dando News Correspondent During December, all students in a trampolining club or school had the opportunity to take part in a competition representing their school and club. This competition was held in Taunton from 7am to 8.30pm. All the ages from year 1 to year
By Jill Dando News The Departure Lounge at Bristol Airport is currently home to a piano for the festive season. The installation of the piano is the latest element to the Airport’s Christmas festivities and to bring some joy to passengers departing from the Airport this December. The piano
By Jill Dando News Place2Be’s Children’s Mental Health Week is only two months away (3-9 February), and we are busy preparing for a week filled with fun activities and great conversations around this year’s theme Know Yourself, Grow Yourself. This year Place2Be’s Children’s Mental Health
In a heartwarming transformation, Ashton Park School in Bristol has been recognised as one of the most improved schools in the UK. Just a few years ago, the school faced challenges, but today, it stands as a shining example of educational success. Recent government statistics highlight a remarkable rise in
By Jill Dando News Marks & Spencer has committed to train and support a further almost 2,000 hard to reach young people through its Marks & Start programme over the next three years as part of an ambitious multi-year strategy with The King’s Trust. M&S is
By Jill Dando News Three-time Olympic gold medallist Adam Peaty OBE has been awarded an honorary degree from Loughborough University in recognition of his outstanding contribution to swimming. The ceremony, held at the university’s East Midlands campus, celebrated Peaty’s remarkable sporting career that has seen him become one
Animals
By Joel, 16, Jill Dando News Correspondent Cats Protection says Scotland’s ban on snares is a turning point for animal welfare and will prevent cruel deaths being inflicted on pets and wildlife. The UK’s largest cat says the new law – that came into effect in November – will end
Animals
By Jill Dando News Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm is excited to announce the return of its highly popular Christmas tree recycling initiative in January 2025, marking the fifth consecutive year of this sustainable tradition. In partnership with St. Peters Hospice and North Somerset Council, this eco-friendly program has grown
People
By Jill Dando News The organiser of a Christmas party held for young people who have left the care system is calling on more organisations to hold similar events – because they save lives. Martin Morgan, who is behind the organisation of the Christmas parties, helped out at the community event
Jill Dando news
By Rupert, 12, Jill Dando News Correspondent Art students from Worle Community School Academy (WCSA) in Weston-super-Mare have showcased their exceptional talent in an inspiring exhibition hosted at one of the world’s best piers, The Grand Pier. The WCSA 2024 Alumni Exhibition features a stunning collection of prints created
Animals
By Joel, 16, Jill Dando News Correspondent Bristol Zoo recently held two online auctions featuring over 300 items, including original zoo signage, animal sculptures, and Victorian benches. The proceeds will support the creation of a new conservation zoo and critical conservation efforts. The first auction on November 22 raised £161,
Sport
By Joel,16, Jill Dando News Correspondent Ellen White MBE officially opened a pitch named after her at Glossop North End Community Club in Derbyshire today, in honour of the part she played in the Lionesses lifting the UEFA Women’s EURO trophy in 2022. The fantastic 3G pitch and
People
By Jill Dando News Budding chefs at Derby Cathedral School are racing to secure a spot in the cookery club, which is so popular it is oversubscribed every week. With only 20 places available each week and more than 60 students eager to take part, the after-school club has become
People
By Ellise Hollie-Hayward, Jill Dando News Disability Correspondent Khamani Edwards is 17 years old, an award-winning entrepreneur and the founder and CEO of KJ's Craft Time, which he launched in 2021 to inspire creativity for children through educational and fantasy-themed craft boxes. He was born with Dystonia, a
Jill Dando news
By Rosie, 11, Jill Dando News Correspondent On the 12th of November, Priory Community School went to Backwell School in North Somerset to go against them in netball matches. Year 7s and year 8s took part in this netball war against Backwell. Both team won in amazing defeats! Year 8s
People
By Jill Dando News This year Bristol Airport teamed up with Jet2.com to sprinkle some Christmas cheer for some very deserving children and their families in the South West. The hugely popular charity Santa flight returned to Bristol Airport for the first time since Covid, taking to the sky
Animals
By Jill Dando News The funniest and most popular photography competition in the world –The Nikon Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards has reached its conclusion. At an Awards Night at the Oxo Gallery in London, Milko Marchetti was announced as the OVERALL WINNER of this year’s competition for his excellent
schools
The Visual Arts faculty at Ashton Park School in Bristol, UK, proudly relaunched the Black History House Cup competition during art lessons this term, sparking powerful conversations and creative expression among students. Last year’s event showcased stunning painted portraits of historical figures, but this year, the focus shifted to
Jill Dando news
By Jill Dando News In a groundbreaking new publication, education professional Jo reveals the unsung hero of school leadership: the Personal Assistant (PA). Her book was written jointly with staff wellbeing expert Kimberley Evans, provocatively titled "The PA Principles," offers an unprecedented look into the critical role of
People
By Jill Dando News The Donate For Defib WsM Project is pleased to announce a publicly accessible defibrillator has been installed at Specsavers Weston High Street, along with the support and installation from AMS Electrical - SouthWest. For this installation Donate For Defib WsM Project undertook a Mini Launch! The
Business
By Jill Dando News In a brilliant new partnership, two East Midlands firms have taken a significant step towards improving workplace support for neurodivergent employees, hosting a free seminar that drew representatives from businesses, schools, and charities. Derby-based Precept HR & Employment Law and Nottingham's Cherry Professional joined
People
By Jill Dando News A special bus is taking to the streets of the West of England from this week on an ambitious mission to bring festive cheer to hundreds of struggling families. First West of England is joining forces with Westcountry charity Operation Community Hamper (OCH) on an eight-day