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'Soaring prescriptions' and 'wildlife murals'

Getty Images A stock image of a woman picking up a prescription at a Boots pharmacy. She is signing something with a purple pen and beside her on the counter is a blue and white bag containing her prescription. In the foreground, out of focus, there are various medications.Getty Images
A BBC West investigation has revealed about 70,000 under‑18s in England are prescribed antidepressants every year

Here's our weekly round-up of stories from across local websites in the West of England.

What have been the big stories in the West this week?

A Tisbury woman spoke to the Salisbury Journal of her anger at delays to assisted dying legislation as her 77-year-old mother lives with a terminal illness.

A Nazi-obsessed teenager who launched a far-right axe attack on a random stranger has pleaded guilty to attempted murder, reported Sky News.

Calne News covered the strong odours leaving local residents feeling unwell, with reports the "overpowering" stench is noticeable with windows and doors closed.

Local artists have left wildlife murals on pavements around Easton, St Werburgh's, and Bradley Stoke in a campaign to improve river health, said Bristol 24/7.

Top five local stories for the BBC in the West

Something longer to read

A feature by BBC West Investigations has revealed that about 70,000 under‑18s in England are prescribed antidepressants each year, despite guidelines requiring a psychiatric assessment first.

It found long waits for specialist care had been leaving GPs feeling forced to start medication outside official rules to avoid leaving young patients untreated.

Gloucestershire GP Tom Sutherland said long waits of up to two years for specialist mental health support were leaving doctors in an impossible position.

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