EXETER’S Lydia Taylor has set her sights on a bright future after qualifying as a Contact Lens Optician.

The 27-year-old has been a popular figure in the city’s Specsavers store for 12 years, having started there as a teenager doing work experience.

She worked her way up from a part-time job at the store to now being qualified to dispense and give advice to customers on all aspects of contact lenses, as well as being the Exeter team’s contact lens manager.

To mark her achievement, Lydia celebrated with store colleagues, her fellow managers and the store’s...

Becoming a foster carer can be one of the most rewarding things you ever do. Opening up your home to care for vulnerable children in need provides them with stability, support and a nurturing family environment. However, fostering also comes with many challenges. It takes some special qualities and skills to be a great foster carer. Here’s an overview of what it takes.

Children entering foster care may have come from traumatic backgrounds and have complex needs. They may act out, struggle to trust you initially and be slow to adapt to new routines. As a...

Strategic thinking is a skill that requires continuous development and practice. Online games offer a convenient way to sharpen this ability, combining entertainment with mental exercise. For those looking to challenge their strategic capabilities, several online games provide the perfect environment to do so. Whether you’re a seasoned strategist or just starting, these games will offer the right mix of challenge and engagement.

Exploring the best online games to test your strategic thinking, this guide covers everything from classic board games to complex simulations. Each of...

Part Victorian thriller, part contemporary tale of friendship and rebellion, RedCape Theatre’s new time-travelling, genre-busting show The Luminous will go on a UK tour this autumn. Delving into tales of old, the show employs the company’s trademark blend of physical theatre, dark comedy and gripping storytelling to explore the power of narratives to penetrate the present and forge unexpected connections.

Set in a modern-day book club, the action follows the course of one evening as three women discuss their chosen book - a schlocky melodrama set in Victorian London called...

Following a successful pilot of e-Bikes in Cornwall, Devon and Cornwall Police have now rolled out the scheme to other areas in the Force boosting neighbourhood engagement.

The pilot was initially launched in Cornwall and supported by Cornwall Council and the Council’s Anti-Social Behaviour officers. There are now 39 e-Bikes in use across Camborne, Plymouth, Penzance, Exeter, Bodmin, Cullompton, Falmouth, Truro, Launceston, Hayle and Helston.

Superintendent Ian Thompson said: “The electric bikes initiative is boosting the ability of our neighbourhood teams to engage with...

Specialist hospitality and hotel marketing agency, Clockwork Marketing, is proud to announce that it has been awarded B Corp accreditation, verified by B Lab, to meet high standards of social and environmental performance, transparency and accountability.

Certified B Corporations are leaders in the global movement for an inclusive, equitable and regenerative economy, with their entire social and environmental impact measured. Clockwork Marketing has undertaken B Corp accreditation to become more purpose-driven and lead by example in a sector that has a large carbon footprint and...

When it comes to wedding celebrations, the centerpiece of the reception is undoubtedly the wedding cake. It is a symbol of love and union, and finding the perfect cake that aligns with your values can be a great way to celebrate your special day. If you and your partner follow a vegan lifestyle or have guests with dietary restrictions, opting for a vegan wedding cake is not only inclusive but also reflects your commitment to sustainability and compassion.

In this article, we will explore ten of the happiest vegan wedding cake designs that are bound to delight both you and your...

Adult learners at Learn Devon were among those who endured the nerve-racking moment of collecting their GCSE results yesterday.

Learn Devon, Devon County Council’s adult education service, offers free GCSE English and maths qualifications, with courses that start in September and in January.

In Exmouth, Andrew Morgan achieved a grade 5 in his English GCSE. He said: “I’m delighted, it's has been a long year and I have had to work really hard and I'm now feeling really relieved. Thanks to Learn Devon, especially to the learning support team for their help.”

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In the bustling environment of a commercial kitchen, where efficiency and quality are paramount, the right cooking equipment can make all the difference. High-performance cooking equipment not only speeds up the cooking process but also ensures consistency and precision, vital in delivering top-notch dishes to customers. Let's explore some essential high-performance cooking equipment and their benefits for commercial kitchens.

Convection ovens are a staple in commercial kitchens, prized for their ability to cook food quickly and evenly. Unlike...

Vaping has evolved from a simple alternative to smoking into a culture and lifestyle for many enthusiasts. With the advancement of technology and the diversity of products available, there are numerous ways to elevate your vaping experience, making it more enjoyable, satisfying, and personalised. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned vaper, here are some tips to enhance your vaping experience.

1. Choose the Right Device

Selecting the right vaping device is crucial for an optimal experience. There are various types of devices, including cig-a-likes, vape pens, pod...