Devon and Cornwall stories you may have missed

A kitten trapped in a police car wheel arch, a topless swimmer and Japanese art from bamboo were among the stories you may have missed this week.

We have selected six articles from the past seven days for Devon and Cornwall.

An organisation supporting film productions in Devon is on a mission to map out the county’s most film-worthy locations, building a comprehensive database to attract more productions to the region.

From windswept moors to chocolate-box villages, the film office is working to ensure Devon’s landscapes are front and centre in the UK’s screen industry.

Recent high-profile productions such as a Harry Potter TV series have already demonstrated the county’s appeal.

Claire Horrocks, who leads the initiative for Screen Devon, said the goal was to make it easier for producers to find the perfect backdrop for their stories.

Experts in Japanese bamboo crafting showed off their skills at gardens in Cornwall.

The tradition of takezaiku – which translates as “bamboo craft” – has been used for centuries to create items ranging from chopsticks to entire bridges.

The team from Japan has been exploring the giant bamboo groves at Trebah Gardens, near Falmouth, and demonstrating how they select and cut the right canes for their intricate woven designs.

It was hoped the results of the Cornish collaboration could be selected to be shown at the 2026 RHS Chelsea Flower Show, project leaders said.

A kitten was rescued from a police vehicle after a “faint meow” was heard coming from the engine.

Officers based at Crownhill Police Station, in Plymouth, noticed the noise while driving one of the force’s response vehicles.

The vehicle was then taken to a garage, where the female kitten was found deep within the wheel arch.

The kitten, name yet to be confirmed but who was estimated to be about two days old, was given the once-over and found to be quite healthy by experts. She has been adopted by a local officer, Devon and Cornwall Police said.

Seal pups are turning up injured on Cornwall’s beaches and the Cornish Seal Sanctuary has said dogs off leads could be to blame.

The sanctuary’s animal care team said it had taken in several pups with suspected dog bite wounds.

The sanctuary is urging holidaymakers this October half-term to give wildlife space and keep pets under control.

“We’re not pointing fingers,” said Grace Jones, the sanctuary’s conservation officer. “We know people love walking their dogs on the coast, especially during the holidays, but even friendly dogs can scare or hurt vulnerable pups.”

A cancer survivor and campaigner has taken part in a charity swim.

Louise Butcher, who is known as the Topless Runner, was among the swimmers at the Royal Devon Hospitals Charity Topless Swim 2025 which aimed to raise funds and awareness of breast cancer.

The swim at Ilfracombe raised more than £30,000 with 200 ladies “all proudly showing their breasts” including some who had mastectomy scars.

Teams from North Devon District Hospital and Fern Centre cancer wellbeing team were also at the event to offer advice about breast cancer screening and early detection.

A campaign has been launched to help reduce the number of fatal road traffic collisions involving 17 to 24 year olds.

Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service’s Top 3 campaign highlights the three greatest risks young drivers face – passing driving tests with limited experience, driving late at night, and distractions from peers.

Young male drivers in the age group are four times as likely to be killed or seriously injured, compared with all car drivers aged 25 or over, according to government figures.

Annabelle Priest, road safety lead at Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service, said: “Young people are in the most at risk age category on our roads due to their age and their inexperience.”