We have had a very early taste of spring over the past few days in the Westcountry with blue skies, mild temperatures and even a little, clean, summery wave.

Even the sea is not too blisteringly cold. Let us hope I have not spoken too soon, though. There is still plenty of winter to get through before we can break out the barbecue.

Last weekend saw a similar story, with the winds turning lighter following days of storms, and a small wave on both the north and the south coasts. Rob Wright, from longboard brand Slide 65, decided to call a team surf at a tucked-away cove near Penzance, with riders James Parry and Matt Travis showing off their hang-tens to the beach-goers.

Meanwhile, longboarder and European Champion, Ben "Skindog" Skinner, has donated £2,000 to the Newquay-based "Joe Way Appeal".

Joe Way, who was born with a rare genetic condition, was labelled a "miracle boy" after surviving meningitis, a potentially deadly skin reaction, and numerous superbugs as well as complete organ failure.

Unfortunately, Joe died three years ago, after a rapid deterioration in health, but the charity now raises money for over 20 different causes.

Matt Way said: "We are really grateful for Ben's support which has been right from the start of Joe's appeal and the guys at Skindog Surfboards have been a really support to the whole family. We cannot thank them enough."

The Joe Way appeal is Newquay mayor Andy Hannan's chosen charity and raised £10,000 last year, taking the appeal to more than £98,000 in three years.

Ben has also shown his generosity by donating a Skindog Surfboard for the first prize at next weekend's Student Surf Tour at Watergate Bay.

After the first round went down a storm in Porthcawl, Wales, the New Year sees teams from Falmouth, Plymouth, UWE and more seeking to knock Cardiff from the top spot in the league table at this second event on the Tour.

Along with the surfboard from Skinner, other prizes on offer include a wetsuit from Gul, a year's supply of Relentless Energy Drinks and tickets for Boardmasters.

The competition costs £22 to enter, and takes place over the Saturday and Sunday at Watergate Bay.

In worrying news this week, police in Newquay announced they are searching for surfer Oliver Doy, 26, from Hook, Hampshire, who was on holiday in the resort and has been missing since the weekend.

Devon & Cornwall Police have said they want to speak to anyone who may have found his Samsung mobile phone, after tracing activity on it in the area on Wednesday.

Oliver was last seen walking with an unknown man and two women near the town's cinema early on Saturday.

In the following days, coastguard rescue teams and a lifeboat were called to search for Mr Doy, whose driving licence was found on a beach.

The police have urged members of the public to be vigilant when out walking on the beaches or coastal paths about looking for clothing or personal items.

In the meantime, make the best of the sunshine and waves; it looks like they might just stick around for a while longer.