Local News

Devon County Councillor Roger Croad has thanked local prize winning author Kevin Brooks for donating £500 of books to his childhood library at Pinhoe, Exeter.

Kevin, winner of a prestigious children’s literary prize, the 2014 Carnegie Medal, took the coveted title for his book, The Bunker Diary, published by Puffin.

The book tells the dark story of a kidnapped boy held hostage in an underground bunker, where he is joined by other victims, none of which have any connection or knowledge of why they have been taken.

The Exeter-born author thanked the judges and those...

Zoo keepers at Living Coasts in Torquay are using a hi-tech DNA test to discover the sex of newborn chicks more quickly.

The test, using cells from inside the shell of a newly hatched egg, has been developed by a company called Avian Biotech of Truro, Cornwall.

Senior Living Coasts keeper Amy Fitzgerald explained: “You can use feathers to do the test, but you have to wait until the birds have their full plumage - for penguins this is normally about 12 weeks. All we have to do now is send off pieces of dry eggshell. DNA is extracted from the vascular material lining the...

A local worthy cause was bowled over when they received a cheque for £500 raised at a charity cricket match.

The event held at Sidmouth Cricket Club, was organised by Sean Priestley, Assistant Director of Brewin Dolphin Wealth Management Company Exeter office who is a long-term player and member of the club.

Directors and staff members of Brewin Dolphin donned their whites and challenged local professionals Kitsons Solicitors to the match in aid of Children’s Hospice South West (CHSW), charity of the year for both firms. The 20 /20 match was won by Brewin Dolphin and monies...

A builder based in Exeter is cementing its future by recognising the hard work and entrepreneurial spirit of its employed youngsters.

Persimmon Homes has launched its Young Achievers awards programme to put the spotlight on its apprentices and sales trainees who have gone above and beyond to succeed in their role.

The builder is determined to invest in its young workforce, creating a highly-skilled base that will take the company forward in the future.

Jeff Fairburn, who became chief executive of the company last year, has placed emphasis on the role young people...