How do you learn how to be a good gorilla? You go to gorilla school, of course.

And 12-year-old Kivu is earning top marks when it comes to sitting in a barrel.

He was photographed at Paignton Zoo Environmental Park in Devon by Curator of Mammals Neil Bemment.

“I’m not sure if he was being Father Christmas coming down the chimney, but he certainly seemed to be enjoying himself,” said Neil.

Top zoos provide animals with what is known as environmental enrichment, scientifically designed to help keep them stimulated mentally and physically. Enrichment can range...

Innovative schemes which can reduce household waste and increase recycling across Devon are being invited to bid for a share of a £4,000 fund from Monday 1 December.

The Devon Authorities Waste Reduction and Recycling Committee (DAWRRC), which represents a partnership between the seven District Councils, Exeter City Council, Torbay Council and Devon County Council, is offering the Innovation Fund to stimulate new approaches to reducing, reusing or recycling household waste in Devon.

The fund is open to all, including individuals, businesses and community groups.

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A new study published today by Travelodge into the nation’s regional dialects has found that the West Country accent is the nation’s third favourite, but that Britons are totally clueless when it comes to identifying British dialects.

Despite nearly half (48%) of adults reporting that regional dialects are a unique part of Britain’s heritage, the survey found that in many cases we are better at understanding foreign languages than our own dialects. The study of 2,000 British adults investigated the nation’s knowledge of regional dialects and revealed that Britons travelling within...

Launched in September, Young Creatives is an award scheme created by holidaycottages.co.uk in partnership with Devon Libraries. Aiming to promote creativity in children and young adults, the award scheme asks schools, parents and families to work together to encourage children to spend more time being creative and enjoying Devon, instead of playing video games or watching TV.

Police and Crime Commissioner Tony Hogg has today (Thursday 20 November) published the findings of a review, undertaken by his office, into Devon and Cornwall’s Police 101 non-emergency service.

The main findings of the report are:

• Calls are answered promptly at the switchboard and within times that are consistent with other forces, or equivalent non-emergency contact services;
• However, the average waiting time to speak with someone that can handle the callers query is over six minutes;
• Half of all callers wait over 10 minutes and one in five
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In what promises to be a week to remember for Phil Dollman, not only is the Exeter Chiefs back poised to run out for his 100th league appearance this weekend, but he has today confirmed a new two-year deal with the Aviva Premiership club.

Signed in 2009 from the Newport-Gwent Dragons, the talented Welshman has played an integral part in the recent rise of the Chiefs.

In his first season at Sandy Park, Dollman helped the Devon club to get promoted into the Premiership and has since gone on to be a key figure in Rob Baxter’s squad as the Chiefs took on the elite of both the...

Pupils in Devon schools are doing better than their colleagues in tests right through their primary and secondary careers.

New figures released by Devon County Council show that local children are beating the national and regional averages in tests in every single phase of compulsory education.

In Early Years, 68 per cent of children in Devon are achieving a good level of development compared to 60 per cent nationally and 62 per cent regionally.

This places Devon in the top ten of local authorities throughout the country, according to research by University College...

Princesshay will host Exeter city centre’s annual Christmas lights switch on event tomorrow (Thursday 20 November) from 4pm-8pm.

The popular ceremony will see European Athletics Championship Gold medallist Jo Pavey together with members of Exeter Chiefs rugby team switch on the city centre’s Christmas lights at 6.30pm, joined on stage by the Deputy Lord Mayor of Exeter and Father Christmas!

Visitors and shoppers to Princesshay will be treated to a festive programme of entertainment throughout the event as the stage will light up with musical acts local band ‘To the Sun’,...

A new report says that the Rugby World Cup 2015 will generate £39 million of economic activity for Exeter.

The report, from England Rugby 2015, says that the Tournament is set to deliver nearly £1 billion into the UK economy.

Reacting to the report, Cllr Rosie Denham, Exeter City Council's Lead Councillor for Economy and Culture, said: "The latest figures for Exeter are very encouraging. In ten months time the eyes of the world will be on Exeter and we are very optimistic that the Rugby World Cup will bring thousands of extra people into the city from home and abroad....

Join Sarah Pepper for a festive, fun charity evening in Broadclyst, watch her make a Christmas wreath then you can make one too.

Sarah, an acclaimed local florist who puts the fun into floristry with her relaxed chatty style, will be making a stylish Christmas door cone wreath for outdoors, indoors or it can be laid on a table. This takes place on Friday 5 December, 7pm at Broadclyst Victory Hall, with mulled wine and mince pies. Tickets at £16 includes all wreath materials, and need to be booked before the event. Tel 01392 966728 or email choicespregnancyexeter@gmail.com

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