The new year has brought a new name for an Exeter-based charity that has helped thousands of people through its employment, mental health and supported living services.

Eighteen months ago St Loye’s Foundation and Community Care Trust (CCT) merged to create a 150-strong team that has helped 2,386 people move forward positively with their lives in the past year.

With the merger now firmly established, the joint organisation has rebranded with a new name – Step One – to make itself instantly recognisable for the public.

Eilis Rainsford, CEO for Step One, said: “...

Thursday February 2 sees St James Park host the first ‘Grecians Comedy Club’ in the Paramount Personnel Lounge, featuring top stand-up from Ignacio Lopez, Chris Chopping, Suzy Bennett, and compare Louis Burgess.

First up on the bill is Suzy Bennett, winner of ‘Funny Women 2006’ has been described by Jimmy Carr as being “A naturally funny person” Suzy has a uniquely warm and chatty stage presence.

Following Suzy is Chris Chopping, who is known for being a ‘quick-witted raconteur’. His strong material and deadpan persona have led to a cult following. Chris’ performances at...

Ottery St Mary Library will move into its new premises in the former NatWest bank during the week of 20th February, Libraries Unlimited has revealed.

The relocation of the library will be carried out over the course of the week, officially opening its doors for the first time on Saturday 25th February.

The building has been significantly refurbished through a partnership with Ottery St Mary Town Council, Devon County Council and Libraries Unlimited. The Friends of Ottery Library have also helped to raise funds to contribute towards the new library furniture.

The new...

The quality and standards of nursery education provided by First Steps Day Nursery at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital have been rated as outstanding by inspectors from Ofsted.

Following an inspection on the 9th January 2017, the Ofsted report findings sing the praises of the staff team.

In the glowing report, inspectors comment that: “Staff are impressive role models and teach the children how to respect and value others. Children’s behaviour is exemplary. Highly skilled staff accurately identify children’s next steps in learning, and use these to plan enriching...

Crowds will be racing to Exeter Racecourse annual Super Sunday meeting on February 12 when a combination of fantastic prize money, top class racing and a terrific savings on pre-booked tickets make it one of the most popular days in its calendar.

A pair of pre-booked Grandstand and Paddock tickets cost just £15 (children aged 17 and under go racing for free) and with previous years boasting racing of the highest calibre, the racecourse is once again looking forward to welcoming the crowds to Haldon Hill.

General manager Daniel Thompson said: “It really is racing straight...

Joe Simmonds says he will look to make the most of opportunities afforded to him after he put in another assured performance for the Exeter Chiefs during their weekend win.

The 20-year-old was one of 10 academy players who featured in a Chiefs squad that dismantled Wasps 52-5 in the Anglo-Welsh Cup at Sandy Park.

The emphatic victory lifted the Chiefs back to the top of Pool 2 on points difference and has put them back in the driving seat for qualification into the last four of the competition.

Starting at fly-half, Simmonds converted six of the home side's eight...

‘Time to Talk Day’ on Feb 2 aims to encourage around the clock conversations about mental health issues, says a family law specialist who is committed to encouraging more openness about anxiety and stress-related difficulties.

Donna Hart from The Family Law Company, which helps many to deal with difficult and often mentally challenging family issues, explained: “At the moment, too many of those with mental health problems are made to feel isolated, ashamed and worthless by the way they are treated by others. This is something we can all help to change.

“Talking about mental...