Local News

Paignton Zoo is looking for a new gorilla – because their old one has been worn out by too much cuddling!

The large plush toy gorilla in the charity’s entrance hall has become the Zoo’s unofficial mascot, greeting visitors with her laid back attitude and laconic smile. Over the years, thousands of children and grown-ups have had their photo taken with her and her orang utan friend.

Zoo spokesperson Phil Knowling said: “She’s worn out from too much love. All those children have knocked the stuffing out of her! Members and regular visitors are asking after her, but she is...

An award-winning centre which is cementing Exeter’s global reputation for health innovation has been officially opened by the World Dementia Envoy, Dennis Gillings, CBE, PhD.

The £27.5 million Research, Innovation, Learning and Development (RILD) building, on Exeter’s Barrack Road, embodies a pioneering partnership between the University of Exeter Medical School and the Royal Devon & Exeter NHS Foundation Trust (RD&E). It was officially launched on Monday (June 2), when nearly 200 VIP guests gathered at the centre of excellence for education and research. The new...

Clyst Bridge on the Exe Estuary Trail will be closed during the daytime on Saturday 14 June and from Monday 16 to Friday 20 June. This section of the Trail through Goosemoor RSPB Nature Reserve will be closed from 7am to 6pm on these dates, which will be signed on site, in order for essential maintenance works to take place. On the Saturday, if dry, the trail surface will be surface dressed. During the following week the viewing gallery roof will be installed. Outside of these hours, the Trail will be open as usual. Cyclists in particular are reminded to keep their speed down, and avoid...

Almost £8,000 was donated to people in need in Devon over the last year thanks to the generosity of people who gave up their winter fuel payments. Devon Citizens Advice Bureau partnered with the Devon Community Foundation (DCF) to operate the Surviving Winter campaign over the winter months of 2013-2014. The campaign saw people who did not require their winter fuel payment donating it via the Devon Community Foundation. Citizens Advice Bureaux across the county then helped allocate the money to people who were most in need. A total of 78 households benefited from the scheme. The Winter...