A study led by the University of Exeter Medical School has concluded that the NHS strategy to shift primary care to telephone consultations “does not save money or reduce practice workload.”

The study found that patients who receive assessments via telephone, known as ‘telephone triage’, following their request for a same-day consultation with a GP are more likely to require further support or advice when compared to patients who see a doctor in person.

Telephone triage has becoming increasingly popular in general practice as a response to managing patient care. Overall,...

After an anxious two days of waiting, one of three largest cranes in the UK lifted the beams into place for the new bridge at Maddacombe Road as part of the South Devon Link Road Project.

Locals gathered on Friday to watch the crane lift the three 94 tonne concrete beams. Unfortunately however, a number of small issues during the testing stage led to a delay in proceedings until Saturday morning.

Andrew Leadbetter, Cabinet Member for Economy and Growth at Devon County Council, said: "We're really pleased that everything is now in place for the new bridge. It was...

Major repairs to part of the roof of Exeter Cathedral’s Cloister and adjacent buildings are being carried out this summer, to protect it from the weather.

Archeological investigations before the repairs began found that the cloth market which was once built in the cloisters was constructed on top of the medieval cloister walk.

The market was built in 1657, towards the end of the Commonwealth era, for the sale of Devon cloth. The trade in woollen cloth was key to Exeter’s prosperity from the 1600s to the 18th century.

The cloth traders were expelled three years later...

Gloucestershire’s acclaimed Festival Players are taking an all-male tour of William Shakespeare’s Comedy of Errors across the UK and into Europe this summer. The tour will head to Devon on Thursday, August 21st to the picturesque setting of Exeter’s 14th century Powderham Castle.

In Shakespeare’s 450th birthday year, The Players mainly alfresco tour will see them step on stage for some 40 performances of the play, directed by Minack Theatre’s former artistic director, Michael Dyer. It tells of a master and his servant arriving in a foreign port which, unbeknown to them, is the home...

The Real McCoy, Exeter’s longest running retro destination, unveiled its new-look Vintage Emporium to customers and VIP guests on Friday 1 August. The Aladdin's Cave of the South West's fashion scene celebrated their expansion with Prosecco, canapés and a live set from DJ Charlie Goodvibes.

For the past three decades The Real McCoy has been the flagship of the South West’s vintage fashion scene, nationally renowned and drawing a loyal cliental from across the UK. Joining the Grand Dame as she enters this new phase are brands; A Kick up the Arts, Flip Out Retro, Bassy...

Preparatory work on a new road connection to Tithebarn Lane, on the outskirts of Exeter, is due to start on site on Monday (11 August).

The new £3 million road will link the existing Tithebarn Lane bridge and the northern end of Science Park to a new roundabout which will be constructed on Cumberland Way.

The route forms part of the access strategy to the Exeter and East Devon Growth Point. The improvements will offer an alternative route for local traffic to help tackle congestion and improve the resilience of both the A30 and M5. It will also become an important bus route...

Speculation that a tropical storm from the Bahamas will career into the South West this weekend has abounded today, following a Met Office announcement. The tropical storm, a result of Hurricane Bertha, is currently off the north-east coast of the U.S. and likely to push northwards. Despite claims in the media that the storm could “smash” into the UK, bringing destruction in its wake, the Met Office itself is rather more sanguine about it.

At present, its view is that the storm is “expected to track across the Atlantic – and while there are still a number of possible outcomes, it...

Devon Community Foundation is celebrating having given more than £10 million in grants to over 6,000 projects helping local people in need across Devon, Plymouth and Torbay since its start.

Last year saw £700,000 in grants help over 55,000 people in need in the county. This year also saw the Foundation leap into action in response to flood and storm damage helping 119 individuals, 3 businesses and six community groups rebuild their lives after having been flooded.

Alongside this the Foundation has grown its endowment from £1.8 million to £4 million in just five years....

One of the longest spells of dry and sunny weather in living memory has led to record levels of customer demand for holidays in the UK and South West. Exeter-based Blue Chip Holidays, the region's largest provider of four-and five-star self catering properties, has such high demand that it is on the look out for additional high-end properties to meet the last-minute rush for family breaks.

Commenting on the strengthening of the staycation phenomena Allan Lambert, Managing Director of Blue Chip Holidays, and Director of The Institute of Travel and Tourism, said: “Customers have...

This August, join the East Devon Ranger team and discover colourful bugs, crazy critters and shy seawater creatures. Come along to one of the National Trust’s family afternoon events in Branscombe and you’ll be guaranteed to meet some amazing mini beasts. Children and adults can have a go at stream dipping, rock pool rambles and bug hunts. They are all free - just remember to bring your wellies! "Our summer events are a great way to get closer to nature," explains Head Ranger, Peter Blyth.

"There is an incredible world beneath our feet that kids love exploring. You never know what...