Local News

Children say foster parents are their 'rock' as agency is Ofsted Outstanding

A fostering agency where ‘children do exceptionally well’ has received an ‘Outstanding’ Ofsted rating following its latest inspection in February 2026.

Foster parents at Foster Care Associates (FCA) South Western, in Exeter were praised for being ‘fierce advocates’ for children in their care and for ensuring children’s stability in their homes.

The report highlighted the agency’s therapist who supports foster parents, staff and children and young people, describing their input as ‘invaluable in helping them develop practical, bespoke strategies that make a positive...

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Sign up for Exeter Hospiscare Men's Walk

Already 147 men have signed up for the eight mile canal side walk which starts at Exeter’s Double Locks pub and finishes there with a FREE pint and a pasty at the exclusive Hospiscare bar where you can watch the Six Nations England v Wales match on huge LED screens.

“It’s a great reason to get the boys together for a fun team event, and also for friends, dads and sons to spend time together,” said Charlotte Knipe, Hospiscare’s Event Fundraiser.

“Not only is...

The Maynard School: Best in the West

The Maynard School in Exeter is proud to be ranked the top school in the whole of the South West following last week’s publication of the Department for Education’s School and College Performance tables.

“We are delighted to report that once again the performance tables have recognised the outstanding achievement of Maynard girls at A-level,” said Tom Hibberd, Director of the Sixth Form. “The Maynard is the highest ranked school in the South West* and 17th** nationally, outperforming the likes of Colyton Grammar, Exeter School and Cheltenham Ladies’ College. This reflects the girls...

Lithuanian gang jailed for burglary conspiracy

Three Lithuanian men have been jailed for a total of 21 years at Exeter Crown Court today (Tuesday 26 January) after being found guilty of conspiracy to commit burglaries in Devon and Sussex.

Tomas Paulavicius, 36 (pictured left), was sentenced to eight years in prison, Dainius Gastilavicius, 39 (centre), was given seven years, and Arturas Malysovas, 21 (pictured right), was sentenced to six years in prison.

Devon and Cornwall Police lead the lengthy investigation with Sussex Police, with offences being committed in South, Mid and East Devon, and Sussex.

The...

Devon and Somerset bid for more powers to boost prosperity

Council chiefs and business leaders say they want a ‘devolution revolution’ to boost prosperity in Devon and Somerset.

They have agreed to submit a prospectus to Government that would result in higher productivity and better-paid jobs, improved road, rail and broadband links and more homes for the region’s growing population.

There would be radical reforms to integrate health and social care to allow the ageing population to be better looked after, tailored support for growing businesses and the creation of a centre of excellence for skills development.

The bid...

Treat for Chiefs (and chefs) fans!

Fresh from a record-breaking Christmas campaign, the New Year is starting just as brightly for Sandy Park head chef Denis Turner and his kitchen team.

Having served up over 4,000 festive meals during the month of December, a new record for the award-winning Exeter venue, now attentions have switched to an equally busy period ahead.

As well as coping with the daily demands of the ever-popular Conference & Banqueting facility, the Scouse chef is also responsible for overseeing the daily food demands for top rugby side Exeter Chiefs and, of course, crowds of over 10,000...

Crackdown on second-hand car dealers

Trading Standards officers are focusing on the practices of used car dealers and garages across Devon.

Every year Devon and Somerset Trading Standards Service receives over 2,000 complaints about second hand cars and servicing.

Since April 2015 officers have inspected 56 car forecourts, garages, and traders selling used tyres.

Officers also booked a car into garages offering free safety checks to test if defects reported by the trader were genuine.

Officers have:

Visited 18 forecourts with 13 cars withdrawn from sale.
38 premises

Auschwitz survivor to talk at Holocaust Memorial Day event

A talk by World War Two Holocaust survivor Leslie Kleinman is one of the events lined up in Exeter tomorrow (27 January) to mark Holocaust Memorial Day.

This year's Holocaust Memorial Day marks the 71st anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz.

Religious and Civic dignitaries, including the Lord Mayor of Exeter, Cllr Olwen Foggin, will gather for opening and closing ceremonies at Exeter Guildhall, where there will also be an exhibition of children’s work.

Throughout the day Southernhay United Reform Church will host talks, presentations and films involving school...

Hand hygiene promoted through hospital’s poster competition

Staff and patients at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital have been sharing their bright ideas to promote infection control by designing special posters to be displayed throughout the hospital.

Throughout the autumn, the RD&E’s Infection Prevention and Control Team (IPCT) ran a competition asking patients and staff to design poster campaigns around an element of infection control. Entries could range from guidance about good clinical practice, information on certain products or facts about a particular type of infection. In December, Maternity Support Worker Sally Anne Stone...

Electoral arrangements finalised for Devon

The independent Local Government Boundary Commission for England has published its final recommendations for new electoral arrangements for Devon County Council.

Today’s publication follows two phases of public consultation on its draft proposals last year and draws new boundaries for each county electoral division across Devon.

The Commission’s final recommendations propose that Devon should be represented by 60 county councillors in the future: two fewer than the current arrangement. The recommendations also propose that those councillors should represent 56 single-member...

Toxic paint in playgrounds puts children at risk

Playground equipment should be monitored more regularly to ensure toxic metals contained within paints do not present a danger to public and child health, a study recommends.

Environmental scientists from Plymouth University analysed the metallic content of paints on equipment at almost 50 playgrounds, including some less than a decade old, across the south of England.

They discovered lead content up to 40 times greater than recommended concentrations, along with higher than expected levels of chromium, antimony and cadmium.

Their research, published in the journal...

Local News

Children say foster parents are their 'rock' as agency is Ofsted Outstanding

Sign up for Exeter Hospiscare Men's Walk

The Maynard School: Best in the West

Lithuanian gang jailed for burglary conspiracy

Devon and Somerset bid for more powers to boost prosperity

Treat for Chiefs (and chefs) fans!

Crackdown on second-hand car dealers

Auschwitz survivor to talk at Holocaust Memorial Day event

Hand hygiene promoted through hospital’s poster competition

Electoral arrangements finalised for Devon

Toxic paint in playgrounds puts children at risk

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