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Policewoman's 'shock' at MBE
Exclusive: BURNHAM-On-Sea police station's Pam Whitehead has been awarded an MBE in the Queen's New Year Honours List. Pam, 57, has been given the award in recognition of her services to Avon and Somerset Constabulary over more than 30 years. She has been a front desk advisor at Burnham Police Station. More...

Arthur is world's oldest triathlete
A NINETY year-old Burnham-On-Sea pensioner has this week been named the world’s oldest triathlete. Arthur Gilbert, who lives in Berrow Road, has been handed the title by The World Records Academy, having completed his 40th triathlon earlier this year. The pensioner was awarded an MBE for his charity work. More...

Motorist's car seized by police
Exclusive: A 20 year-old man's car was seized by police in Burnham-On-Sea on Christmas Eve after it was allegedly seen being driving dangerously in the town centre. Officers pulled over the motorist at 10.30pm outside the Somerset and Dorset pub and seized his car. More...

Tourist centre team celebrates
VOLUNTEERS at Burnham-On-Sea's tourist information centre have celebrated a busy year for the group. Over 20 volunteers from BIARS (Burnham Information and Rescue Support), who run the centre, were joined by Burnham's Mayor, Michael Clarke, for a party. More...

Xmas charity concert preview
A FUNDRAISING Christmas concert is to be held in Burnham-On-Sea's Princess Theatre on Friday (December 30th). Highbridge's Gospel Tabernacle Church is organising the concert, which is called 'The Reason for Christmas'. Entry will be free with donations for charity. More...

Police alert over car break-ins
Exclusive: POLICE have this week warned motorists in Burnham-On-Sea and Highbridge to step up their security after four break-ins during the past 24 hours. Burnham Police are investigating a spate of thefts and break-ins in Highbridge - and they have urged motorists to ensure valuables are not left on show. More...

Seal washed up on beach
A SEAL was washed up on Berrow beach today (Thursday December 29th), but sadly nothing could be done to save it. The body of the young mammal was washed ashore in on the morning high tide between Berrow's shipwreck and Burnham's beach lighthouse. More...

Rubbish collections delayed
COLLECTIONS of rubbish and recycling will take place one day later this week and next week due to the Christmas and New Year holidays, says Somerset Waste Partnership. Friday's collection in Burnham-On-Sea and Highbridge will go ahead on Saturday 31st December. More...

Where to celebrate New Year
REVELLERS in Burnham-On-Sea and Highbridge will be able to celebrate the start of 2012 in style with a great line-up of entertainment being planned for New Year's Eve. Live music, fundraising events and parties are among the events being scheduled. More...

£20m wildlife plans unveiled
Exclusive: A MAJOR planning application has been formally submitted by the Environment Agency this week which involves 488 acres of coastline near Burnham-On-Sea being transformed into a huge new wildlife habitat. The proposals would see a large area of land on the Steart Peninsula being flooded to create a huge new wetlands site. More...

Hit film to boost arts festival
TICKETS have gone on sale this week for a fundraising movie screening in aid of Highbridge Festival Of The Arts. The Ritz Cinema in Burnham's Victoria Street is to hold an afternoon screening of the critically-acclaimed Mamma Mia starring Meryl Streep. More...

Nursery enjoys Xmas trip
25 youngsters from Burnham-On-Sea's Rose Cottage Farm Children's Nursery enjoyed a special visit to see Father Christmas. The excited group visited Sanders Garden World, where they visited Santa's Wonderland and had a special tea with Father Christmas and his elf. More...

New car wash opens in town
A NEW car washing business has opened for the first time in Burnham-On-Sea town centre this week. Burnham Hand Car Wash is operating from the former private car park at the rear of Morrisons supermarket in Pier Street and is offering customers a special offer. More...

'Pitiful' fly-tip fines attacked
Exclusive: AN angry Highbridge councillor has this week attacked the 'pitiful' fines being given to illegal fly tippers. Cllr Joe Leach has hit out at Sedgemoor District Council's portfolio holder for the Environment, Councillor Richard Burden, after 50 fines of £50 each were issued. More...

Police hunt for arsonists
BURNHAM-On-Sea police have today confirmed that they are treating an early morning blaze at this home in Highbridge as arson. "Police are appealing for witnesses and information following an arson at a home on the Poplar Estate, which occurred at around 2.45am on Tuesday," they confirmed. More...

Tributes paid to Gerry, 92
TRIBUTES have this week been paid to the President of Burnham-On-Sea Chamber of Trade, who has sadly passed away. Gerry Germain, pictured, died over Christmas following a two-year battle with lung cancer. Gerry, 92, was a well-known face about Burnham, having run the town's Castle Antiques shop. More...

Local train fares set to rise
TRAIN fares from Burnham and Highbridge Railway Station are set to increase next week. First Great Western has announced an increase in all its ticket prices from January 2nd. Burnham to London Paddington tickets will rise by just over five per cent from January. More...

MP backs calls to ban circuses
BURNHAM-On-Sea's MP Tessa Munt has this week joined campaigners from Animal Defenders International in urging the government to ban circuses in the UK which use wild animals. Her comments come after an important Austrian EU judgement on the matter last week. More...

Festive trade boost for town
Exclusive: FIRMS along Burnham-On-Sea High Street experienced mixed trade during the run-up to Christmas - with some reporting their best-ever business. While some shops in the town failed to benefit from a seasonal uplift due to the continuing recession, others have seen booming business. More...

Asda delivers £2k Xmas boost
BURNHAM-On-Sea's rescue hovercraft charity has been handed a £2,000 Christmas boost by supermarket giant Asda. Eight months of fundraising at the Highbridge store has raised £2,087 for Burnham Area Rescue Boat, which is one of its charities of the year. More...

Probe into overnight blaze
BURNHAM-On-Sea fire and police crews are investigating the cause of a fire which spread through a home in Highbridge earlier today (Tuesday, December 27th). Three fire engines from Burnham and Bridgwater were sent to the Poplar Estate at 2.51am. More...

Warm homes funding boost
BURNHAM-On-Sea residents living in cold houses or struggling with heating bills will benefit this winter from a £190,000 Government grant to Somerset County Council. The council’s Warm Homes project successfully bid for the grant from the Department of Health. More...

Brrr-acing sea dip is planned!
A GROUP of brave fundraisers in Burnham-On-Sea will dash into the sea during a sponsored dip on the town's beach on the first day of 2012. Local charity BARB will benefit from the event, which is scheduled to start at 12 noon on Sunday (January 1st) next to the town's jetty. More...

Christmas Day beach rescue
COASTGUARDS from Burnham-On-Sea were called out to help a beach walker in difficulty this morning (Christmas Day). Weston and Burnham Coastguard teams were paged at 11.15am after a man was reported to be stuck in the mud on the beach by Weston's Grand Pier. More...

Happy Xmas to all readers
BURNHAM-On-Sea.com wishes a very merry Christmas to all its readers and supporters. We thank our readers, advertisers, forum users and contributors for their support over the past year and hope that you enjoy a happy and safe Christmas. We look forward to a busy year ahead for the Burnham area in 2012. More...

Jo celebrates very special Xmas
Exclusive: A Burnham-On-Sea cancer sufferer is celebrating a very special Christmas with her family after receiving a life-saving bone marrow transplant. Jo Burridge-Clayton has just returned home from Bristol Hospital to be home with her family in Burnham over the festive period. More...

Vandalism in Manor Gardens
VANDALS pushed over lamp posts, smashed several windows and set fire to a rubbish bin during a night of vandalism at Burnham's Manor Gardens last night (Friday, December 23rd). Police and fire crews were called to the gardens at 10.30pm following the damage, caused by a group of young people. More...

Dreamscheme in good voice
BURNHAM-On-Sea's Dreamscheme entertained the crowds at the town's Christmas Farmers Market on Friday (December 23rd). The group of youngsters sang a line-up of modern and traditional songs next to the market stalls set up in the High Street, as pictured. More...

Crews rush to Knoll kitchen fire
FIRE crews from Burnham-On-Sea, Weston and Bridgwater were called to a kitchen fire in Brent Knoll on Friday evening (December 23rd). Three fire engines and a water carrier were sent to a property in Burton Row, Brent Knoll at 6.54pm after a resident reported an oven was on fire in their kitchen. More...

Drink drive checks stepped up
POLICE have warned that there will be no let-up in their campaign to keep drink and drug drivers off the roads of the Burnham-On-Sea area this Christmas and New Year. Officers will continue to make stop checks of vehicles and target hotspots during peak times. More...

Winning Xmas displays named
THE winners of Burnham and Highbridge's annual Christmas lights competition were announced on Friday (December 23rd). Town councillors Ken Smout, Dennis Davey, Pat Burge and Tom Nicholls have visited dozens of displays across the towns this week before picking the winners. More...

Wind farm firm welcomes poll
THE developers of the proposed new wind farm at Rooksbridge, near Burnham-On-Sea, have this week welcomed a nationwide poll which shows 56 per cent of the British public support the expansion of wind energy, compared to only 19 per cent who are opposed. More...

Appeal to identify war soldier
A GROUP of Burnham-On-Sea history researchers is seeking help in identifying this wartime resident who died during the First World War. St Andrew's Church is working on a project to identify a number of photographs of Burnham men whose names appear on the town's War Memorial in the remembrance garden. More...

MP calls for youth cuts rethink
BURNHAM-On-Sea MP Tessa Munt has this week called on Somerset County Council to reverse its decision to drastically reduce its funding for youth services, warning that the 'damaging cuts' could face an expensive legal challenge in the coming months. More...

Inquest held into railway death
A MAN who was struck dead by a passing railway train on the outskirts of Burnham-On-Sea in July had written 28 suicide notes prior to his death, an inquest heard this week. Martin Robert Handel, 47, from Burnham was killed on July 24th after being hit by a train. More...

Xmas farmers market on Friday
BURNHAM-On-Sea's Christmas farmers market will be held in the town's High Street this Friday (December 23rd). A wide range of festive food will be available from over a dozen stalls set-up along The High Street between 9am and 1pm. The market will be extended. More...

Town police probe 'deliberate' fire
BURNHAM-On-Sea police are investigating a 'deliberate' van fire which occurred in Highbridge last night (Wednesday, December 21st). Fire crews from Burnham-On-Sea were called to Alexandra Court in Highbridge Quay at 8.34pm to reports of a blazing van in the car park. More...

Stolen plaques to be replaced
Exclusive: TWO bronze wartime plaques which were stolen from a Highbridge memorial garden earlier this year are to be replaced with granite plaques in a bid to prevent them being removed again for their scrap metal value by thieves. A businessman has come forward to fund the purchases. More...

Lidl billboad plans approved
Exclusive: PLANS by supermarket Lidl to introduce a new advertisement billboard outside its Burnham-On-Sea store have this week been approved despite an objection from town councillors. Lidl in Oxford Street wants to build a six metre wide billboard. More...

Rarely seen bird on town beach
A RARELY-seen winter visitor in Burnham-On-Sea has been causing a flap among bird watchers this week. This Snow Bunting has been photographed on the town's beach on several days. The birds are scarcely seen in Somerset during the winter, usually visting Scotland and the East Coast. More...

Burnham gymnasts strike gold
MEMBERS of Burnham-On-Sea's Monarch's Gymnastics Club have this week struck gold at the British Acrobatic and Tumbling Open Tournament in Stoke-On-Trent. Gymnasts Sean McKenna, Connor McKenna, Jacob Baker and Joseph Blake returned with gold medals. More...

Burnham cancer rates disputed
Exclusive: ANTI-nuclear campaigners have this week released new research that claims women in Burnham-On-Sea have a 43% greater risk of dying from breast cancer than in other parts of the country - but the findings have been strongly disputed by NHS Somerset bosses and Hinkley Point owner EDF. More...

Judging of Xmas lights starts
JUDGING of Burnham and Highbridge's official Christmas lights competition has been taking place this week. Deputy Mayor Ken Smout was joined town councillors Dennis Davey, Pat Burge and Tom Nicholls in visiting over 30 of the best displays across the two towns. More...

Christmas church services
CHURCHGOERS across the Burnham-On-Sea area are this week celebrating Christmas at numerous services. Burnham-On-Sea.com has compiled a guide to the main religious services taking place across the Burnham and Highbridge area on December 24th and 25th. More...

Monday Club's festive fun
BURNHAM-On-Sea's Monday club received a visit from the town's Mayor this week when members celebrated Christmas with a special meal. Cllr Michael Clarke visited the club in the Burnham Area Youth Centre in Cassis Close and this was followed by a meal in the Lighthouse Pub. More...

Man hurt as vehicle flips over
Exclusive: PARAMEDICS have treated a motorist for head injuries after his vehicle flipped over on the sliproad at Burnham-On-Sea's M5 motorway junction this evening (Tuesday). Police, fire and ambulance crews were called to the southbound access road at 6.25pm after the vehicle overturned. More...

Police issue burglary warning
Exclusive: BURNHAM-On-Sea police have this week urged residents to be extra vigilant over the Christmas period after burglars struck twice at the weekend. Thieves attempted to break into a home in Rosewood Close and entered a property in Bason Bridge. More...

£20k overhaul for football club
BURNHAM United Football Club is this week celebrating the completion of a £20,000 project to upgrade the facilities at its clubhouse. The work has been jointly funded by the club and Sedgemoor District Council, which awarded it a £12,400 grant from its RLT3 fund. More...

Crowds enjoy lantern-lit carols
AN evening of carol singing by lantern light attracted large crowds to Brent Knoll on Monday night (December 19th). The festive event was held under a starlit sky next to the village green, with the crowds' singing traditional carols and hymns accompanied by a brass band. More...

3D film visit for town Beavers
BURNHAM-On-Sea Beavers donned 3D glasses when they were treated to a special visit to the town's cinema at the weekend to mark the end of the group's 25th anniversary year and as a Christmas treat. Over 40 youngsters and leaders visited the Ritz Cinema. More...

Hinkley fishing concerns raised
Exclusive: SEA anglers in the Burnham area fear that work to expand Hinkley Point power station will result in them losing huge swathes of fishing grounds. Pete Nicholson, Chairman of the Burnham Water Users Forum, which represents local anglers and boat users, has raised the concerns to EDF. More...

Torch-lit carol singing tonight
A TORCH-lit evening of carol singing will be held in the centre of Brent Knoll this evening (Monday, December 19th) with proceeds going to charity. The event will be held on the village green from 7pm in aid of the Dorset and Somerset air ambulance. Harmony Plus brass group will be joining in. More...

Town lifeboat man steps down
AFTER 18 years involved with saving lives along Burnham-On-Sea's coastline, Gerry Prout is retiring. Gerry was a founder member of BARB (Burnham Area Rescue Boat) and when the RNLI returned to Burnham in 2003, he joined them as a Deputy Launch Authority. More...

200 gift boxes for seafarers
CHURCHGOERS from across the Burnham-On-Sea area have collected dozens of shoeboxes full of gifts for needy seafarers. 200 Christmas Shoe Boxes have this week been delivered to the Mission to Seafarers in Portbury Docks, from where they will be distributed across the world. More...

Cedric's retiring after 29 years
PARISHIONERS in Brean have this week held a ceremony of appreciation to thank a long-serving churchwarden for his 29 years of work. Cedric Lodge has been a churchwarden at St Bridget's Church in the village since 1983 and is set to retire in the New Year. More...

MP joins BARB Xmas visitors
BURNHAM-On-Sea's MP and Mayor were among the visitors to the town's rescue hovercraft station during a two-day Christmas fundraising weekend. Scores of families got a chance to meet Father Christmas, who put in an appearance at the event on the seafront on Saturday and Sunday. More...

In photos: Burnham Jingle Run
OVER 100 fun runners braved chilly temperatures to take part in Burnham-On-Sea's annual 'Jingle Run' this morning (Sunday, December 18th). The popular event saw many of the runners taking part in colourful festive costumes along the town's seafront. More...

Landmarks to be refurbished
Exclusive: MORE than £3,500 is to be spent on refurbishing two familiar landmarks in Burnham-On-Sea to mark next year's Jubilee celebrations. The Town Council has approved plans to overhaul the Victorian drinking fountain in Seaview Road and the bandstand in the Manor Gardens ahead of the Queen's Jubilee. More...

Sweet shop opens on town pier
HANDMADE gift hampers are among the products being sold at a new confectionery shop that has opened for business at Burnham-On-Sea's Pavilion. Louise Parkin has opened The Candy Stall at the front of the pier's forecourt on The Esplanade. It sells locally-made confectionery. More...

Cardboard recycling appeal
HOUSEHOLDERS in the Burnham-On-Sea and Highbridge area are being asked not to put out too much cardboard at once with their recycling this Christmas. The appeal comes as a quarter of all Christmas spending is expected to take place online this year, increasing cardboard and packaging. More...

Wurzels aim for top chart spot!
SOMERSET cult band The Wurzels are this weekend releasing a Christmas single to compete with the likes of X-Factor winners Little Mix and Michael Buble for the number one spot in the festive charts. It is a double single of 'Sleigh Ride' and 'White Christmas'. More...

Grand Xmas Concert tomorrow
AN evening of big band tunes is planned by Burnham and Highbridge town band when it performs its annual festive concert on Sunday evening (December 18th). The band's Grand Christmas Concert will be held at Burnham's Princess Theatre and Arts Centre at 7.45pm. More...

Chamber backs star's campaign
Exclusive: BURNHAM-On-Sea's Chamber Of Trade has this week given its support to TV presenter Mary Portas' nationwide campaign to raise the profile of high streets. Ms Portas, the star of TV show Mary Queen of Shops, outlined almost 30 proposals to give town centres across the UK a boost. More...

Police warning over key safes
POLICE have this week warned residents in the Burnham area who use key safes to be cautious following recent burglaries across the region involving key safe break-ins. Officers have appealed for carers, relatives and neighbours to be extra vigilant following the burglaries. More...

Band performs for town club
MEMBERS and supporters of Burnham's Gateway Club were entertained to an evening of festive music from Burnham and Highbridge Town band on Thursday evening (December 15th). The band played a programme of Christmas songs and carols at the BAY Centre in Cassis Close. More...

Photos: School Challenge Day
HIGHBRIDGE'S King Alfred School held a 'Challenge Day' this week when students were given a chance to find out more about activities they are interested in and then learn more about them. The aim of the event was to give students opportunities to become creative. More...

'Heart attack won't halt me!'
Exclusive: A MEMBER of Burnham-On-Sea's Pantomime Society has an extra special reason to look forward to the group's show next month, having suffered a serious heart attack just four weeks ago. Paul Wynn was rushed to Weston Hospital on November 13th. More...

Council objection to 95 homes
Exclusive: TOWN councillors last night (Thursday) raised a formal objection over a developer's plans to build 95 new homes on the site of a boat yard next to the River Brue in Highbridge. The Council's Planning Applications Committee raised the concerns at a meeting. More...

Xmas family party night in town
A FUN-packed family Christmas party night is being held in Burnham-On-Sea this Saturday evening (December 17th). The event at Lakeside Holiday Park will see a wide range of games, party dances and entertainment being held for families from 6-11pm. More...

Awards night for sea cadets
BURNHAM-On-Sea Sea Cadets have been presented with trophies, sheilds and certificates during their annual presentation night. Eight cadets received awards for their work over the past year at the ceremony held in their headquarters in Cassis Close, as pictured here. More...

300 enjoy town Xmas concert
A CAPACITY audience of more than 300 people filled Burnham-On-Sea's St Andrew's Church on Thursday evening (December 15th) for a special festive concert. Burnham and Highbridge Choral Society's Christmas concert included a number of traditional and modern songs. More...

Snow for Burnham on Friday?
FORECASTERS are predicting the Burnham-On-Sea area could see a dusting of snow during the early hours of Friday morning (December 16th). Heavy rain, progressively turning to sleet and possibly snow, will move across the region overnight, raising the threat of wintry weather. More...

Choral Society concert tonight
BURNHAM and Highbridge Choral Society's annual Christmas concert will take place this evening (Thursday, December 15th) in the town's St Andrew's Church. Starting at 7.30pm, the performance will include a new carol compiled by one of the choir group's members. More...

Mayor issues Xmas message
BURNHAM-On-Sea and Highbridge's Mayor, Michael Clarke, has issued the following Christmas message to residents of the two towns... "As Christmas fast approaches and we prepare to celebrate this special time, I wish you all a very happy Christmas..." More...

Burglars steal £4,000 of metal
Exclusive: THIEVES have stolen more than £4,000 of metal during two burglaries in the Burnham-On-Sea area over the past week, prompting a fresh security warning from police. A large quantity of metal was first taken from the Viridor waste facility in Highbridge and then from a property in East Brent. More...

Nine new homes win approval
Exclusive: CONTROVERSIAL plans to build nine new homes in Burnham-On-Sea have this week been given the go-ahead by Sedgemoor District Council despite a dozen objections from nearby residents. The application is for nine dwellings on land to the rear of 24 Golf Links Road. More...

Drama as 4x4 smashes into wall
Exclusive: THIS was the incredible scene after a 4x4 truck careered off the A38 in Brent Knoll this week and slammed into a commercial property, sending bricks flying and ending up wedged in a huge hole in the wall. Police were called to West Country Motorhomes at 10pm on Tuesday. More...

BARB's Xmas open weekend
THRERE might not be as much snow as last year, but Father Christmas will be the special guest at Burnham-On-Sea's rescue station this Saturday and Sunday (December 17th and 18th) when the charity holds a festive open weekend. The BARB station will be open to all. More...

Brean golf course to expand
BREAN Golf Club's course is set to be expanded by an extra four holes next year. Mild winter weather during recent weeks has enabled work on constructing the holes to get underway on land next to Brean Leisure Park and the new holes are on schedule to open next summer. More...

Cancer support group launched
A NEW support group for breast cancer sufferers, family and their friends has launched in Burnham-On-Sea this month. The first meeting of the Burnham Breast Cancer Support Group was held in the Somerset and Dorset pub's upstairs room - with further monthly meetings planned. More...

Santa heads to Apex grotto
FATHER Christmas will be calling in at Highbridge's Apex Wildlife Park this Saturday (December 17th) to make an appearance at a special grotto. The Friends of Apex Park has transformed the park's information office into a colourful grotto in readiness for Santa's visit. More...

Anger over planned bus cuts
Exclusive: CASH-strapped Somerset County Council has angered bus users in Burnham and Highbridge this week by announcing that two 'crucial' services in the towns may soon be axed. As part of a raft of financial cutbacks under consideration by the council, the popular 113 and 21 services could be cut back. More...

RNLI boss visits lifeboat station
THE RNLI's Chief Executive has made a brief visit to Burnham-On-Sea lifeboat station this week during a tour of stations across the country. Paul Boissier, head of the nationwide charity, was given a conducted tour of Burnham-On-Sea lifeboat station in Pier Street. More...

Light Up A Life service tonight
BURNHAM-On-Sea's annual Light Up A Life service will be held in the town's St Andrew's Church this evening (Tuesday). The traditional service allows churchgoers to celebrate the life of loved ones and is being organised by local charity St Margaret's Hospice. More...

30 years ago today: 1981 storm
IT is exactly 30 years today (Tuesday) since Burnham-On-Sea suffered severe flooding and millions of pounds of damage following a major winter storm. The events of December 13th, 1981 are still very clear in the memories of many residents - and Burnham-On-Sea.com today takes a special look back at some of the photos and stories from that day. More...

Solar energy farm approved
Exclusive: A NEW solar energy farm is to be built on farmland next to Brean Down, it has been announced this week. Sedgemoor District Council has approved a planning application for a solar photovoltaic array featuring 178 solar panel modules at Brean Down Farm. More...

Spider's web causes fire alert!
A SPIDER'S web is believed to have caused an unusual call-out for Burnham-On-Sea firefighters on Monday (December 12th). One fire crew rushed to a property in The Grove at 4.25pm after its fire alarm sounded. It is thought a spider's web on a sensor caused it. More...

Burnham man at X-Factor final
A BURNHAM-On-Sea resident was among the 10,000 strong audience at Sunday's final of ITV1's X-Factor. Stephen Cleavely, 21, travelled to Wembley Arena to watch the drama unfold as Little Mix beat fellow finalist Marcus Collins to take home the crown. More...

EU debate comes to our area
THE debate over Prime Minister David Cameron's decision to opt out of the new EU treaty will be coming to the Burnham-On-Sea area next month. Sir Graham Watson, Member of European Parliament for the South West, will be visiting the area on January 14th. More...

Sarah is named 'green hero'
A BURNHAM-On-Sea woman has been named as one of Britain's eleven 'Green Heroes' by EDF Energy this week. Sarah Milner Simonds has been selected by the power firm in recognition of her efforts to reduce her carbon footprint and encourage green living in Burnham. More...

Town braced for storms
WEATHER forecasters have issued a warning of severe gales and heavy rain sweeping through the Burnham-On-Sea area over the next few hours. The Met Office has issued a 'yellow alert' regarding the "potentially disruptive" winds gusting over 60mph and heavy rain through Monday night and into Tuesday. More...

Early morning crash in town
POLICE are investigating a crash which occurred in Burnham-On-Sea during the early hours of Sunday morning (December 11th). Officers were called to Rosewood Avenue at 2.47am after reports that a yellow MG had slammed into a garden wall. Police are investigating. More...

ITV's Daybreak visits Burnham
BURNHAM-On-Sea was in the national spotlight this morning (Monday) when breakfast TV programme Daybreak broadcast live from the town. Millions of viewers watched reporter Nick Dixon interview Trinity Close residents about their Christmas lights display. More...

Musical lights display switched on
A UNIQUE Christmas display of more than 25,000 lights whose sequence is determined by the beat of festive music has been switched on in Burnham-On-Sea. Keith and Jane Mitchell lit up their impressive display on the outside of their Winchester Road home. More...

£250 raised for roof repair fund
HUNDREDS of pounds was raised towards vital repairs for Burnham-On-Sea's youth centre roof on Sunday (December 11th) when a fundraising Christmas bazaar was held. A number of stalls selling a wide range of merchandise were set up at the BAY Centre in Cassis Close. More...

Paramedic returns from war zone
A BURNHAM-On-Sea paramedic has returned from war-torn Afghanistan where he has been training hospital staff in emergency medicine and the use of life-saving equipment. Nich Woolf, 58, has been working with staff in a hospital at Mazar i Sharif, scene of a recent suicide bombing. More...

Horse rider air-lifted from beach
A WOMAN was air-lifted to hospital from Berrow beach this morning (Sunday) after suffering suspected back injuries when she was thrown from her horse. Two people - a man and a woman - were hurt when both their horses bolted after being startled while being ridden along the sands. More...

Xmas tree festival underway
A TWO-week Christmas tree festival is underway in Burnham-On-Sea, with more than a dozen sparkling trees on display. A lighting-up ceremony was held on Saturday evening (December 10th), as pictured here, in St Andrew's Church where the tree festival is now open. More...

Alan praised for 25 years' work
RETIRING Burnham-On-Sea Scouts Chairman Alan Matthews was thanked for his 25 years of work during a special presentation on Saturday (December 10th). Alan was presented with a set of engraved glasses by Burnham's Mayor, Michael Clarke, during a ceremony. More...

Town carol singers raise £93
A MORNING of carol singing in Burnham-On-Sea raised over £90 for local good causes on Satursday (December 10th). Burnham Lions organised the event outside the Victoria Hotel, besides the town's official Christmas tree, with the support of Lions Brass Youth Band. More...

Bazaar for roof appeal today
A FUNDRAISING Christmas bazaar will be held in Burnham-On-Sea's youth centre today (Sunday, December 11th) to help raise funds for its vital roof repairs. Sunday's day-long event will be held at the BAY Centre, which is based in Cassis Close, between 2-5pm. All are welcome. More...

Mayor visits artists' show
BURNHAM'S Mayor and Mayoress were among the large number of visitors who attended a Christmas Art and Craft Market which was held on Saturday (December 10th) by members of Highbridge and Burnham Artists (HABA). The event saw a wide range of work on show. More...

Severe weather alert issued
WEATHER forecasters have issued a warning of severe gales and heavy rain sweeping across the south west, including the Burnham-On-Sea area, over the next couple of days. The Met Office has issued a 'yellow alert' regarding the predicted winds of up to 70mph. More...

Marine Cove is officially opened
BURNHAM-On-Sea's newly-refurbished Marine Cove gardens were officially opened on Saturday (December 10th) during a special ceremony. Despite wet weather, a crowd of over 150 people attended the grand opening, following the completion of a £360,000 four-year project to refurbish the gardens. More...

In Photos: School's Rag Week fun!
COLOURFUL costumes of all shapes and sizes went on show when fun-loving pupils at Highbridge's King Alfred School took part in their annual Rag Week this week. A 'wear what you want day' was held at the school throughout Friday (December 9th), as pictured here. More...

Cove Gardens set to open
BURNHAM-On-Sea's new-look Marine Cove gardens are to be officially opened today (Saturday, December 10th) during a special ceremony. The Friends of Marine Cove is holding an afternoon of celebrations from 3pm to mark the completion of the project. More...

Town Xmas art market today
HIGHBRIDGE and Burnham Artists will hold their Christmas Art and Craft Market today (Saturday, December 10th). The event will see a wide range of work by local artists on show and available to buy at Burnham-On-Sea's Community Centre in Berrow Road. the event is open to all. More...

Prince thanks town's M5 crews
BURNHAM-On-Sea's fire station officer was among the emergency personnel praised by Prince Edward for their response to November's tragic M5 accident during a special visit to Somerset today (Friday, December 9th). Police, fire, ambulance and highways crews worked tirelessly to rescue people. More...

Olympic torch bearers confirmed
SEVERAL residents in the Burnham-On-Sea area have this week been officially named as torch bearers for next year's London Olympic Games. Burnham charity runner Jason Vickers, who has raised more than £8,000 for charity over the past seven years, will be one of the 8,000 torchbearers. More...

Christmas Tree Festival to open
A CHRISTMAS tree festival is to open in Burnham-On-Sea tomorrow (Saturday, December 10th) when a dozen sparkling trees will go on display for a fortnight. St Andrew's Church is holding the festival and life-size crib scene every day until Christmas Eve. More...

Carnival club starts charity tour
THE carnival season is over until next year, but that's not stopped kind-hearted members of Burnham's Hillview Carnival Club in building this illuminated cart to transport Santa around the town to raise cash for charity. The club's members have begun a 15-day tour of Burnham and Highbridge. More...

Sanders poppy sales over £2k
VISITORS to Brent Knoll's Sanders Garden World have recently helped to raise £2,366.98 for the Royal British Legion. The cash was ccollected during the sale of the charity’s poppies at the garden centre from October 31st until November 11th in run-up to Rembrance Day. More...

Will path avoid need for pylons?
CAMPAIGNERS have proposed a new long distance walking and cycle path as an innovative way of transmitting electrical power from Hinkley Point to Avonmouth - thereby avoiding the need for huge new pylons. Instead of building a long line of 160ft tall pylons or digging a trench, the imaginative plan would see the cables laid at ground level. More...

Warning over computer fraud
Exclusive: BURNHAM-On-Sea Police have this week warned computer users in the town to be on their guard after a resident was seemingly targeted by fraudsters. Inspector Roger Tolley from Burnham Police says an anonymous telephone caller demanded money from a 61-year-old resident. More...

Masons give swim club a boost
BURNHAM-On-Sea's Disabled Swimming Club was handed a £1,000 boost on Wednesday (December 7th). Somerset Masonic Charities Committee, represented by Peter Hodder, the Provincial Almoner for Somerset, presented the donation to the group at the Berrow Road pool. More...

Council objects to Lidl billboard
Exclusive: TOWN councillors have raised an objection over plans by supermarket Lidl to introduce a new advertisement billboard outside its Burnham-On-Sea store. Lidl in Oxford Street has applied for planning permission to introduce a six metre wide billboard. More...

Date set for Scout leader's trial
A FORMER Burnham-On-Sea scout leader is to stand trial next month accused of committing a string of sex offences. David Burland denies 33 charges which include indecent assault, sexual activity with a child, indecency and exposure. His trial is to begin during late January. More...

In photos: 63 enjoy Xmas meal
DOZENS of pensioners from across the Burnham-On-Sea area were treated to a full Christmas meal with all the trimmings by the town's Rotary Club on Wednesday (December 7th). More than 60 people from the Burnham area enjoyed an evening of festive food and entertainment. More...

Christmas bazaar this Sunday
A FUNDRAISING Christmas bazaar will be held in Burnham-On-Sea's youth centre this Sunday (December 11th) to help raise funds for its vital roof repairs. Sunday's day-long event will be held at the Burnham Area Youth (BAY) Centre in Cassis Close between 2-5pm when all will be welcome. More...

Xmas art market this Saturday
HIGHBRIDGE and Burnham Artists will hold their Christmas Art and Craft Market this Saturday (December 10th). The day-long event will see a wide range of work by local artists available at affordable prices at Burnham Community Centre in Berrow Road. More...

Karate club celebrates again!
TWO members of Burnham and Highbridge Karate Club are celebrating after winning gold and bronze medals during a top regional tournament. Becky and Josh Proctor competed in the Western Karate Union invitational event in Hutton Moor, Weston, on Sunday. More...

Objections over 9 new homes
Exclusive: CONTROVERSIAL plans to build nine new homes in Burnham-On-Sea's Golf Links Road have been recommended for approval this week by Sedgemoor District Council's planning officer despite a dozen objections from residents and the town's MP Tessa Munt. More...

Parking charges frozen for year
Exclusive: PARKING charges will not rise in Burnham-On-Sea or Highbridge next year, it has been confirmed this week. Town councillors have this week welcomed the decision by Sedgemoor District Council to freeze its parking charges for a period of 12 months. More...

Busy year at Princess planned
Exclusive: A BUSY programme of events is to be held at Burnham's Princess Theatre during the first quarter of 2012, it has been announced this week. Over 60 members of The Friends of The Princess gathered for a Christmas function where the schedule was unveiled. More...

Town's Xmas fair raises £700
MORE than £700 was raised for a Highbridge church's funds when supporters flocked to its Christmas fair at the weekend. Dozens of people attended the popular event in St John's Church Hall, where festive food, gifts and decorations went on sale. The event also included a visit by Santa. More...

Pair's 50 years of work praised
A BURNHAM-On-Sea couple's half a century of involvement with Moose International was marked this week with a special presentation. Peter and Joy Shannon were both handed certificates to mark their 50 years of involvement during the Burnham Moose lodge's Christmas party on Monday. More...

Factory evacuated in gas scare
Exclusive: STAFF at a Highbridge factory were evacuated on Tuesday evening (December 6th) following a suspected gas leak. Two fire crews from Burnham-On-Sea and Bridgwater were called to Isleport Foods, as pictured, after staff reported a strong smell of gas inside the building in Bolton Close. More...

Pavements parkers targeted
Exclusive: POLICE have stepped up their patrols against motorists parking their cars illegally in part of Burnham-On-Sea after this blind resident was forced to walk in the road to negotiate her way around a car blocking the pavement. Officers have increased their patrols. More...

Council approves free mugs
Exclusive: Contentious plans by the Town Council to give every primary schoolchild in Burnham-On-Sea and Highbridge a free commemorative mug to mark next year's Royal Jubilee have been given the go-ahead this week, despite concerns over the cost from some councillors. More...

£16k boost from leisure park
BREAN Leisure Park has raised more than £16,000 for local charities in the past year. The park's owners, Richard and Bridget House, this week handed over the money to over a dozen good causes following fundraising events during the busy summer season. More...

Greg, 9, opens Sanders display
GREG Addison from Brent Knoll officially opened the Christmas displays at a garden centre near Burnham-On-Sea on Saturday (December 3rd). Nine-year-old Greg was chosen to declare Sanders Garden World’s Winter Wonderland officially open by cutting a ribbon. More...

Movember crews raise £600
MEMBERS of Burnham-On-Sea Coastguard and the town's rescue hovercraft charity BARB have raised hundreds of pounds for a prostate cancer charity by taking part in a moustache-growing fundraiser. The crewmembers were among the many thousands of fundraisers. More...

Warning over illegal vodka
DRINKERS in the Burnham-On-Sea area have this week been warned to avoid an illegal variety of vodka containing an industrial solvent that could be harmful to health. Somerset Trading Standards officers are warning shops and residents to look out for Drop Vodka. More...

Crash biker remains 'serious'
A MOTORCYCLIST who was rushed to hospital after an accident on the outskirts of Burnham-On-Sea on Friday (December 2nd) continues to be in a serious condition, police said today. The B3140 into Burnham from the M5 roundabout was closed for three hours. More...

20,000 light display turned on!
FATHER Christmas made an appearance when a Burnham-On-Sea resident switched on his spectacular display of thousands of Christmas lights for an 11th year on Sunday evening (December 4th). Mike Perrin from Wilde Close has decorated his home for charity. More...

Double rainbow over Burnham
THIS double rainbow brought a splash of colour to the skies above rain-soaked Burnham-On-Sea on Sunday (December 4th). Burnham-On-Sea.com reader Rob Edgar took this photo of the weather phenomom in Burnham's Pier Street shortly after a heavy storm in the afternoon. More...

Concern over 95 new homes
Exclusive: RESIDENTS in Highbridge have this week voiced concern over a developer's new plans to build 95 new homes on the site of a boat yard next to the River Brue. Property Link has applied for outline planning permission to construct eighty five 2, 3 and 4 bedroom houses plus ten 1-bedroom flats. More...

Rotarians spring into action
ROADSIDES in Burnham-On-Sea are set to burst into colour next Spring after hundreds of bulbs were planted on Sunday (December 4th). Four huge sackfuls of daffodil bulbs were buried by volunteers from the Rotary Club along the verges on the Frank Foley Parkway and Queen's Drive. More...

In photos: Lions youth concert
MORE than 30 local children performed festive songs and music at a special Christmas concert in Burnham-On-Sea's Princess Theatre on Saturday (December 3rd). Youngsters from Burnham Dreamscheme, Lions Brass and the Siobhan Johnson Singers took part in the festive-themed concert. More...

Celebrity chef in East Huntspill
CELEBRITY chef Lesley Waters and her sister visited East Huntspill on Saturday (December 3rd) to give cooking demonstrations at a new housing development in the village. The TV chef visited Bellway's Church Meadow development, where she provided cookery classes. More...

In photos: Berrow Xmas Fayre
CHRISTMAS was on the minds of dozens of gift hunters who flocked to Berrow’s festive market and craft fayre on Sunday morning (4th December). Despite wet weather outside, the event drew a good-sized crowd to Berrow Village Hall, where 20 stalls were set-up. More...

15p Xmas post service starts
HUNTSPILL and Highbridge Scout Group has this week launched its popular low-cost Christmas card delivery service, which runs until Friday 16th December. This service has been provided for many years now and is one of the group's main fundraising events of the year. More...

Boxing champ visits town bouts
MEMBERS of a Highbridge boxing club welcomed a British champion to their club on Saturday night (December 3rd). Lee Haskins, a professional boxer, has fought in the Flyweight, Super Flyweight and Bantamweight divisions and is currently super flyweight champion. More...

Club calls foul over dog mess
Exclusive: MEMBERS of a youth football team in Burnham-On-Sea have this week urged dog owners to take more responsibility for their pets after repeated problems with mess on their pitch. Every week before Burnham United Junior Football Club Under 8s play, the coaches have to spend 30 minutes clearing up mess from their pitch, which is located next to Cassis Close. More...

Berrow Xmas fayre today
BERROW'S Christmas Market and Craft Fayre will be held on Sunday (4th December) between 10am and 1pm. Organisers say more than 20 stalls will be selling a wide range of Christmas presents in Berrow Village Hall in aid of the Village Hall refurbishment project. More...

Report drink drivers, urge police
POLICE have this week encouraged members of the public in the Burnham-On-Sea area to report drink driving offenders if they know they are getting behind the wheel while under the influence. The appeal comes as police launch their Christmas drink driving campaign. More...

Wind gives beach sport a lift!
THE sport of kite buggying seems to be 'taking off' at Brean, with this week's high winds giving enthusiasts a real challenge. Around 20 of the sport's members have braved high winds to take part in a series of endurance competitions and, as these photos show, the gusty conditions proved a challenge! More...

Busy day of Christmas events
A BUSY day of Christmas events is being held in the Burnham-On-Sea area throughout today (Saturday, December 3rd). The events include Christmas fayres, a festive fundraising concert, a table top sale and several appearances by the famous Santa Claus! More...

Christmas concert tonight
A FEW remaining tickets are still available for a Christmas concert to be performed by local youngsters in Burnham-On-Sea's Princess Theatre on Saturday night (December 3rd). The 'Children Singing For Children' event is being held by Burnham-On-Sea Lions Club to raise money for charity. More...

Biker injured in car accident
A motorcyclist has been rushed to hospital with serious injuries after an accident on the outskirts of Burnham-On-Sea today (Friday, December 2nd). The B3140 into Burnham from the M5 motorway roundabout was closed for three hours after the collision between a motorbike and a car. More...

Conservatives win by-election
THE Conservative's John Denbee won a County Council by-election in the Burnham-On-Sea area on Thursday (December 1st). Residents across the Brent division went to the polls on Thursday to choose a replacement for long-serving Tory County Councillor Alan Ham, who died in September. More...

Blue Peter in town for switch-on
A FILM crew from the BBC's Blue Peter children's programme joined more than 400 people watching the official switch-on of a huge fundraising Christmas lights display in Burnham-On-Sea's Trinity Close on Thursday evening (December 1st). The dazzling display was illuminated at the event. More...

Xmas shopping night tonight
OVER 40 businesses across Burnham-On-Sea are holding a late night shopping evening tonight (Friday, December 2nd) during the run-up to Christmas in a bid to encourage more people to do their festive shopping in the town. Friday's event will run from 5pm to 9pm. More...

Extra patrols for Xmas season
POLICE in Burnham and Highbridge are cracking down on crime in the run-up to Christmas. There will be increased high visibility foot patrols by PCSOs and police officers, in addition to plain clothes patrols. They want to ensure trouble is kept to a minimum over the festive period. More...

Police seize cannabis set-up
Exclusive: POLICE swooped on a property in Burnham-On-Sea this morning (Thursday, December 1st), seizing a suspected cannabis cultivation set-up. Officers executed a search warrant at a property in Briar Close, where plants and other equipment were found. More...

Anger at 'knock down' sale
Exclusive: A district councillor has this week expressed his disgust at the NHS's sale of a former health centre in Burnham-On-Sea for a 'knock-down price'. Belmont House, a mental health care centre in Technical Street until August this year, has been sold by NHS Somerset for just £170,000 to a local businessman. More...

Voters going to polls today
VOTERS in the Burnham-On-Sea area will be going to the polls today (Thursday, December 1st) to vote in a county council by-election. Electors in the Brent division have two choices - Conservative councillor John Denbee or Liberal Democrat councilllor Helen Groves. More...

12,000 sign Hinkley petition
A PETITION signed by more than 12,000 people opposed to the planned expansion of Hinkley Point power station near Burnham-On-Sea is to be handed in at Downing Street next week. The Stop Hinkley group has collected 12,750 signatures and will be taking them to London. More...

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