Physical inactivity may be associated with twice as many deaths as obesity, according to research.

The study, published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, found that just a modest increase in physical activity, such as a brisk 20 minute walk, could have significant health benefits.

Researchers, from University of Cambridge, studied data from 334,000 European men and women, and measured height, weight and waist circumference, and measured levels of physical activity using self-assessment.

Using data on European deaths, they estimated that 337,000 of the 9...

The opportunity to explore the British Empire through stories of the individuals who contributed to its rise and fall and the themes of money, violence, race, religion, sex, propaganda and power is now available through a free online course. Ruling over a quarter of the world’s population and paving the way for today’s global economy, the British Empire continues to cause enormous disagreement amongst historians. It raises many questions and areas for debate which will be explored over six weeks, in three hour slots of interactive online participation, starting from 19 January. Experts...

House prices and the number of potential new buyers in the South West rose in December, bucking the general trend across most other parts of the UK, according to the latest RICS Residential Market Survey.

In the region new buyer enquiries turned positive, with 23% more chartered surveyors seeing an increase in December 2014. 22% more respondents in the South West are also seeing prices continue to rise.

Across the UK as a whole, 10% more surveyors saw the number of potential new buyers decrease in December 2014 and London saw the weakest demand with 45% more surveyors...

Sense, the national deafblind charity, is offering budding athletes from Devon the opportunity to take the challenge of a lifetime and run this year’s London Marathon.

The charity that supports and campaigns for people who are both deaf and blind across Devon, has guaranteed places for the iconic race in April.

Tara Hamdi from Sense, said: “The London Marathon is one of the world’s greatest but getting a place can be difficult, so Sense wants to give local runners the chance to run for a cause close to home. Whether you’re a seasoned runner or a novice we’ll support you...

Exeter Chiefs head coach Rob Baxter has spoken of his delight after three more of his first team squad today agreed new contracts with the Aviva Premiership club.

Props Carl Rimmer (pictured) and Ben Moon have put pen to paper on two-year deals, whilst back-row forward Kai Horstmann is extending his Sandy Park stay by another year.

The trio are the latest in a line of current Chiefs who in recent weeks have pledged their immediate futures to the Devon outfit.

Commenting on the latest news, Baxter said: “Signing Moony and Rimmer is an indication of how we think they’...