Local News

New report reveals UK's happiest places to be a dog

Exeter comes 9th in Dogs Trust's Happy Place Index, but we all have room for improvement

For dogs, a happy place can be somewhere physical, like cuddling up next to their owner on the sofa, dozing by the fire or rolling around in a muddy puddle. But it can also be a feeling, like the excitement of a new toy, the comfort of being with their favourite humans, or the relief of just being somewhere safe.

To examine the various factors that contribute to a dog's satisfaction, an academic has developed a new formula – the Canine Happiness Score (CHS).

The new scoring system...

Exeter Deaf Academy talent in the spotlight

PaddleBoat Theatre Company has joined forces with Exeter Deaf Academy to create an enriched production of ‘A Little Man’s Holiday’ using non-verbal communication and British Sign Language.

During a successful run of shows at Devon libraries last summer, PaddleBoat Theatre Company encountered many children in the audience with hearing impairments, Asperger’s and learning difficulties which inspired them to make the show more accessible and Deaf friendly.

During Exeter Deaf Academy’s Expressive Arts classes, talented Year 7, 8 and 9 students’ improvised scenes with PaddleBoat...

High winds and heavy rain batter Devon

Authored by News Desk
Posted: Sat, 02/06/2016 - 12:05pm

Motorists are being warned to take care on Devon’s roads today as heavy rain and gale force winds batter the region.

The Met Office has issued a yellow warning for strong winds, and upgraded their heavy rain warning from yellow to amber, valid until 6pm today.

Flooding has been reported across the region, along with fallen trees. Police are advising drivers to take extra care on the roads due to surface water and reduced visibility.

Exeter City’s match against Oxford United has been postponed due to a waterlogged pitch.

Forecasters say 30-40mm of rain is...

Straight Outta Cullompton! NWA star to play city gig

Hip hop legend and founder member of NWA, DJ Yella has announced he is to perform in Exeter.

The gig has been organised by local gig promoter David Meylan, who brought Snoop Dogg to the city in 2014.

Dave said Snoop’s people put a word in for him after the success of his Devon show.

He added: “Securing DJ Yella has taken a lot of hard work and many phone calls but I am delighted that he has agreed to put on a set in Exeter.

“I said when Snoop came that we can punch above our weight and this booking shows that was no fluke.” DJ Yella’s profile has been raised...

RAC guide to driving in heavy rain

Authored by News Desk
Posted: Sat, 02/06/2016 - 8:05am

Driving in heavy rain and flooding can be hazardous. Here are some useful hints and tips to help you prepare for wet weather.

Breakdown numbers always increase during periods of wet weather, as the damp causes problems with engines and electrical systems, particularly in older vehicles. If you must drive, there are a handful of steps you can take to reduce your chances of an accident or breakdown dramatically.

Many rain-related breakdowns are easily avoidable as they are often caused by people driving through deep standing water. While cars have improved significantly in...

County Council applauded for work with fostered children

Devon County Council has been cited as an authority of good practice by the Fostering Network for its positive work with children in its care.

The Fostering Network this week launched a new report highlighting the importance of maintaining relationships between fostered children and their former foster parents.

Their report, Keep Connected: Maintaining Relationships When Moving On, follows national research among children in care and care leavers that showed that nearly a quarter of those surveyed had no contact with their former foster carers; and that nearly 30 per cent...

Stagecoach extends Gold route 57 sale

Stagecoach South West has announced that, due to popular demand, it is extending its sale on tickets for the luxury Stagecoach Gold route 57 until the end of February.

The sale started on 3rd January 2016, with a number of fares slashed, offering discounts of up to 38% on single, return and weekly tickets. These include returns between Exeter and Exmouth reduced to £5.50 (saving 25%) and the introduction of a 1 week Routerider for £20, valid for unlimited travel along the entire 57 route (saving 23%*).

In November 2015, Stagecoach unveiled a fleet of new, luxury buses for...

Govinda HITZ back and wins national award

Before discovering HITZ, sport was the last thing on Govinda Kay’s mind – but now the rugby-mad teenager is reaching for the stars after collecting the Best Rugby Performer Award supported by Premiership Rugby.

Govinda, who found the programme through Exeter Chiefs, picked up the gong at the HITZ Awards Ceremony, hosted at Barclays HQ in Canary Wharf.

The multi award-winning HITZ programme uses rugby to increase young people's resilience, self-reliance and confidence and gives them the skills to get back into education, apprenticeships and employment. HITZ is run in...

Success for Devon in SW Tourism Awards

Devon swept to victory, winning 30 awards in this year’s South West Tourism awards and will see ten businesses go through to the national Visit England Awards for Excellence in March. Ninety-five different awards were announced at the event, which took place in Exeter Cathedral last night (4 February).

Devon saw ‘Gold’ was awarded to Calvert Trust, Exmoor, for Access and Inclusivity; Mayflower Marina, Plymouth, for Active and Sporting Experience; River Cottage, Axminster for Artistic, Cultural and Learning Experience; Rydon Farm B&B, Woodbury for B&B Accommodation of the...

Stroke care boost for South West

Authored by News Desk
Posted: Fri, 02/05/2016 - 1:02pm

People who have had a stroke in Devon are receiving faster and more effective treatment thanks to research that has used the latest advances in computer simulation.

The ground-breaking project has led to a dramatic increase in the number of patients receiving vital clot-busting treatment, and significantly reduced treatment times.

Researchers from the NIHR CLAHRC South West Peninsula (PenCLAHRC) teamed up with the Royal Devon & Exeter Hospital and the South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust to implement the study, which has highlighted the importance of...

Call for MPs to rebel over budget cuts

Authored by News Desk
Posted: Fri, 02/05/2016 - 11:44am

Devon county councillors are calling on the region’s MPs to rebel against the Government if the local government settlement is again inadequate to provide front line services and support for vulnerable people. County Labour Leader Cllr Richard Westlake said: “The County Council is facing the stark reality of further overall budget cuts totaling £34 million, a devastating amount for any local authority to bear. The final decision on the county council’s budget, along with the level of council tax, is likely to be made on February 18.

“We still have not had all the final budget...

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