Local News

Celebrating Devon’s best: Entries open for the 2026 Food Drink Devon Awards

The countdown has begun as entries officially open for the highly anticipated 2026 Food Drink Devon Awards. Following the resounding success of last year’s event, the awards once again promise to celebrate the very best food and drink Devon has to offer, from artisan producers and innovative brands to much-loved cafés, pubs, restaurants, bars, takeaways and retailers.

Widely recognised as the gold standard for food and drink excellence in the county, the Food Drink Devon Awards shine a spotlight on the talent, passion and creativity that make Devon such a celebrated food and...

Festive Hampers Bring Warmth and Joy to Isca Academy Families

Authored by News Desk
Posted: Tue, 12/16/2025 - 10:49pm

Isca Academy is proud to be working once again with community organisation The Big Step to deliver festive Christmas hampers to families across its school community.

The partnership, now in its second year, supports students and families as they transition from primary school into secondary education. This Christmas, the collaboration has focused on spreading warmth, joy and a strong sense of belonging during the festive season.

Thanks to funding secured by Dan Leverton of The Big Step, the hampers were provided at no cost to families. Each hamper was thoughtfully...

Research shows that more than one in ten adults in the South West say they have witnessed behaviour at workplace they consider sexual harassment

Authored by News Desk
Posted: Tue, 12/16/2025 - 5:20pm

One year on from the introduction of the Worker Protection Act, new research from online training provider High Speed Training has revealed that about one in five (18%) UK adults in The South West say they are concerned about sexual harassment in the workplace [1], with more than one in ten (11%) reporting they had witnessed behaviour they considered to be sexual harassment in a workplace.

The Worker Protection Act (2023) which came into force in October 2024, introduced a legal duty for employers to take "reasonable steps" to prevent the sexual harassment of their employees. The...

Care home resident is awarded honorary bachelor of education

Authored by Daisy Hall
Posted: Tue, 12/16/2025 - 5:12pm

Staff and residents at Barchester’s Cumberland Grange Care Home in Exeter are over the moon because one of their much-loved residents, Joan Mundy, has been awarded an Honorary Bachelor of Education certificate by the university of Gloucestershire aged 106. Joan was so thrilled to receive her certificate finally after 86 years since leaving St Mary’s College Cheltenham.

Joan, who turns 107 in January, has had an incredible life full of different experiences, adventures and achievements. To receive this award just before Christmas has been extremely special.

General...

two teenagers ice skating on ice rink

REVIEW: Icescape Westpoint

With four kids between us aged 12 to 18, organising a festive family outing usually involves spreadsheets, negotiations and at least one teenager muttering, “Do I have to come?” under their breath.

So when Icescape Westpoint announced its much-anticipated return, we jumped at the chance to test whether it could deliver that rare miracle: something all of them would enjoy.

Spoiler: it did.

This year we went all in — two extra friends, nanny and grandad in tow (strictly spectators, though grandad did talk a big game about his 1970s skating skills).

The...

BASICS Devon appointed DCAA's charity of the year

Authored by News Desk
Posted: Mon, 12/15/2025 - 8:10am

The Devon County Agricultural Association (DCAA) is delighted to announce that BASICS Devon has been appointed as its Charity of the Year.

BASICS Devon are specialist volunteers delivering emergency pre-hospital care and vital life-saving education. They support communities across Devon with advanced medical treatment around the clock before patients reach hospital

Comprised of highly trained volunteer medics, BASICS Devon responds to some of the most serious medical emergencies supporting the South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust. From road traffic...

Devon ‘hero dog’ wins Guide Dogs national award

Authored by CWeaver
Posted: Sun, 12/14/2025 - 10:52pm

Retired guide dog Ridley, who lives in Dawlish, has been honoured with a national award at the Guide Dogs People Awards 2025.

The eleven-year-old black Labrador cross golden retriever scooped the Hero Dog Award in recognition of his life of service, not only as a guide dog but his continued contribution as an ambassador dog, therapy dog, and loyal companion.

Ridley was nominated for the award by Peter Boston, his owner, and the two attended an afternoon tea celebration at the Guide Dogs National Centre near Leamington Spa, Warwickshire (on 25 November), together with the...

Run for FORCE

Run for FORCE Cancer Charity and be part of the biggest team at the Great West Run to support local people dealing with cancer.

FORCE is your local cancer charity, providing care and support for people in Devon affected by cancer to improve their wellbeing and quality of life.

For just £20 to register and a simple fundraising ask of £90 , you can take on this iconic challenge while making a real difference. Every step you run helps FORCE provide vital support, comfort and care to local people facing cancer.

Last year, an epic total of 700 runners joined Team...

Exeter College and Petroc College to merge

Exeter College and Petroc College have confirmed they will formally merge on Monday 5 January 2026, creating the Exeter and North Devon Colleges Group after the proposals were approved by both Colleges’ Boards of Governors.

As part of the merger, Petroc College will become North Devon College, celebrating its place in the community, while Exeter College will continue under its existing name. The new Exeter and North Devon Colleges Group will continue delivering sixth form provision in both Exeter and North Devon, while expanding opportunities for the region to upskill and...

Peerage for Exeter Chancellor Sir Michael Barber

Sir Michael Barber, Chancellor of the University of Exeter, will join the House of Lords.

An expert in government policy, Sir Michael is among 34 political peerages approved by the King.

Sir Michael is one of 25 new peers nominated by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer in his role as leader of the Labour Party, alongside five Liberal Democrats, three Conservatives and one crossbench peer.

The official citation describes Sir Michael as a “globally recognised expert in government effectiveness and public service reform”.

Sir Michael said: “I’m delighted to...

Red Zero Wins More Awards

Crediton-based Sandford Orchards scoops more awards for non-alcoholic cider

Authored by kath@raw
Posted: Fri, 12/12/2025 - 2:26pm

Devon-based Sandford Orchards is celebrating a fantastic year of awards for its new non-alcoholic cider, Red Zero. It has just been named ‘Low and No Alcohol Category Champion’ by Taste of the West after winning Best Non-Alcoholic Cider at the World Cider Awards, Best New Drink at the Food Drink Devon Awards, Gold from The Farm Shop and Deli Awards and Silver from the Great British Food Awards.

Barny Butterfield, founder of Sandford Orchards comments: “Red Zero has had an outstanding first year, picking up a host of awards that recognise the hard work and dedication that we put...

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