Local News

The West County’s rich past gained a new champion this week when the South West Heritage Trust took over management of heritage services previously run by Devon and Somerset County Councils.

The two councils have created the Trust as a way of ensuring a strong and sustainable future for the services.

The councils will be the Trust’s main funders, but the new organisation, as an independent charity, will also be able to seek funding from other places.

The Trust’s responsibilities now include the popular Museum of Somerset in Taunton, Somerset’s Historic Environment...

A fearless Exeter granddad is still skydiving - despite having a terminal illness.

Sonny Hepburn, 71, was given 6-12 months to live last September 2013 after being diagnosed with cancer but continues to skydive after recovering from his chemotherapy sessions.

Skydiver Peter Brookes said: “I have the privilege to call Sonny a good friend and so do my two boys Michael and William. They are only three and four but already see how being positive can change our own lives and the lives of others around us. What an amazing role model Sonny is for the next generation.

“We...

Exeter’s local charity Hospiscare is hoping that Christmas has come early after £3,540 were left in carrier bags outside one of its city shops.

Police, who are temporarily holding the cash, have appealed for the mystery donor to come forward to confirm that they intended the money to go to the charity. If the money is not claimed it will go to Hospiscare in six weeks time.

Glynis Atherton, Hospiscare chief executive, said: “The shop manager was amazed and immediately contacted the police who are looking after the wads of £20 used notes. This sum would provide almost a whole...

Forget the reindeer – these Christmas toys will be delivered by motorcycle. A festive motorbike cavalcade with a special difference will take place just a couple of weeks before Christmas this year – and YOU could be part of it. The riders will be delivering Christmas toys to youngsters with life-limiting illnesses at the South West Children’s Hospice. So why not arm yourself with a Santa suit, decorate your motorbike with some tinsel or antlers and join the Exeter Based Motorbike Rides group for a ride to remember? This amazing festive ride will take place on Sunday 7 December, meeting at...