Getting ready for Text Santa
ITV1 is hosting its charity programme Text Santa tonight. It supports national charities which help people in the West Country region.
House prices rise by three times the average salary
The cost of buying a house in the South West has outstripped average earnings by nearly three times in a decade.
Fewer A-level students want to go to University
There's been a fall of more than 12% in the number of people from our region wanting to go to University.
Live updates
Employment Minister says youth unemployment fall is 'welcome'
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) said that a total of 155,000 people were unemployed in the South West between July and September. The region's unemployment rate was 5.8% and saw a drop of 1.3% during the period.
It's good news to see yet another increase in the number of people in work and to see unemployment fall again. The fall in youth unemployment is particularly welcome, although we're not complacent about the scale of the challenge still facing us.
– Employment Minister Mark HobanWe're working hard to help the long-term unemployed back into a job. That's why we've committed to supporting the hardest-to-help people over a two-year period through the Work Programme so that we can help them overcome their barriers to work and get them into sustainable jobs.
South West unemployment drops by 2,000
Unemployment in the South West dropped by 2,000 this summer, according to the official figures released today.
150,000 people were out of work, or 5.8%. The region's reflecting the national picture, with total unemployment now at its lowest level for a year.
Advertisement
South West motorists urged to take precautions in dark nights
South West drivers are being urged to take extra precautions as the dark nights draw in.
A new survey has found that 12% of motorists in the region have been caught unprepared whilst driving in the dark, with 70% of those let down by their bulbs, according to Halfords.
A quarter of motorists who took part in the survey also admitted to failing to undertake any basic car safety checks over the winter.
Figures from the Department of Transport have shown that over 1,000 more road accidents are reported in November compared to the average month - and with the amount of accidents peaking on November 19th.
Demand for houses rises at fastest rate for over a year
Demand for houses in the South West rose at its fastest rate since summer last year, according to a survey by the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors.
Despite this, prices continued to fall, although the RICS said the amount of homes coming onto the market also improved.
Last minute surge in holiday bookings
More than half of people living in the South West will book a last minute bank holiday getaway.
Researchers say that the British tourist industry will see a boost in sales over the next few days, with the weather and the cost of holidays being blamed for not making getaway plans in advance.
Cotswolds is hardest place to buy first home
New figures have revealed the growing gap between what we're earning and how much it costs to buy a house in the West. According to the latest research, it's getting more and more difficult for people to get on the property ladder.
The hardest place to buy your first home is in the Cotswolds. Prices there have risen by eighty three per cent in the last 10 years, while wages rose by just five per cent.
The report from the National Housing Federation calls for a major building programme to improve the situation.
Advertisement
House prices rise by three times the average salary
The cost of buying a house in the South West has outstripped average earnings by nearly three times in a decade.
Read the full storyFewer A-level students want to go to University
There's been a fall of more than 12% in the number of people from our region wanting to go to University.
Read the full storyMinister of Universities says he's confident students still want to go to university
Across the country, fewer people are applying for university. In this region, that figure is even higher. David Willets MP, the Minister for Universities is confident students are still applying for university and says it is a competitive process.
He says there have been more university applications this year than places available.
Students in Taunton talk about what comes next now they have their results
Thousands of A-Level students had an anxious wait this morning as they got their exam results. For many, it decides their next career move. With a 12% decrease in University applications this year, more young people could be looking at alternative routes. David Woodland was in Taunton:
Today's top stories
