A major report published today by independent renewable energy experts Regen SW, reveals that we now generate enough renewable electricity in the South West to power over one quarter of all homes.

Renewable electricity capacity in the South West has grown by 37 per cent in the past 12 months to nearly 1.2 GW – and the region now generates 8.3 per cent of its electricity from renewable sources.

The South West Renewable Energy Progress Report, produced annually since 2004, shows the South West leads the way in small and community scale renewables.

The South West has...

Judges form the Royal Horticultural Society will descend on Exeter tomorrow (Tuesday 8 July) to assess the city's entry for Britain in Bloom.

After an absence of over ten years, Exeter is taking part in this year’s prestigious competition. Judging will take place in Exeter tomorrow (Tuesday 8 July) before the results are announced in Trowbridge on 18 September.

In April, the Chairman of RHS Britain in Bloom South West, Jon Wheatley, said he was "delighted" to welcome Exeter back to the competition. Exeter was one of the 'highlight' cities when the competition started 50...

Businesses have been urged to make sure they are up to speed with new flexible working legislation which came into force last week.

Robert Shaw, consulting solicitor at Cartridges in Exeter has highlighted the following issues:

Currently, only employees with children under 17 (or those with disabled children under 18) and those who have responsibilities as a carer have a right to request flexible working.

The new law extends this right, and means that, from 30 June 2014, any employee with 26 weeks' continuous service will be able to make an application to work...

Princesshay has today announced that a new Costa Coffee will open in Debenhams on Wednesday (9 July).

Located on the first floor, directly above the main entrance, the new Costa Coffee will command views onto Princesshay Square and focus on sit down coffee, pastries and snacks rather than a take-away service.

Wayne Pearce, Princesshay Centre Director, says: “The partnership between Costa Coffee and Debenhams will supplement the existing in-store restaurant and café, providing customers with an alternative offering for a drink and snack while shopping.”

The second...

A record number of rowers from across the south west will be competing on Saturday (12 July) at the annual Exeter Regatta.

Paul Wilson, Exeter Regatta Chairman, said: "This year we have more entries than we have ever seen, it reflects just how popular rowing is across the South West.

"At the event we have especially strong crews in mens and ladies fours and the sculls including from Exeter Anna Newton who has trialled for the GB squad and Ray Lowry, an amputee from the marines who is on a fast track pathway to the Para Olympics. Spectators are guaranteed to see some great...

The 71st Bishop of Exeter, the Rt Rev Robert Atwell, was installed at Exeter Cathedral on Saturday.

He was processed down the High Street by children representing Devon’s 131 church schools, a group from the Young Farmers Association, and the Barnstaple Youth Marching Band.

He paused at the Great West Doors of the Cathedral to pray, marking the end of the ‘prayer pilgrimage’ he has taken around the county in previous weeks, before knocking three times with his staff on the door.

He was welcomed in by pupils from St Luke's School in Exeter.

He said he was a "...

As part of its long-term economic plan to secure Britain’s future, the Government today is agreeing a series of Growth Deals with businesses and local authorities across England.

The Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister will announce the first instalment of plans to invest at least £12 billion in local economies in a series of ‘Growth Deals’.

The money will go towards providing support for local businesses to train young people, create thousands of new jobs, build thousands of new homes and start hundreds of infrastructure projects; including transport improvements and...

Just days after Glastonbury, Devon staged its very own music festival with the 10th Schools’ Music Mix.

More than 3,000 people spent the day at Westpoint near Exeter enjoying large scale musical workshops, professional performances and a variety of activities.

Pupils and students from over 75 schools took part in the day.

Among the highlights were the Big Sing where everyone gathered together to sing, some World War One themed drama sessions and a tea dance.

Staff from the Babcock LDP School Library Service supported the World War One zone in period costume...

Firefighters were called to a fire at Tiverton Bowling Club yesterday afternoon (Sunday).

Two fire engines attended the club's pavilion in Wellbrook Street at around 2.45pm.

Upon arrival crews requested a further appliance from Bampton.

The fire involved a dishwasher which was completely destroyed. The bar was 20 per cent damaged by fire and there was 30% smoke damage to the bar area.

Crews used four breathing apparatus, two hose reel jets, one covering jet, one safety jet and a thermal imaging camera to tackle the blaze.

Police are asking for the public’s help to trace a 28-year-old man missing from Tiverton. Officers are concerned for the welfare of Matthew Foot who was last seen at his home in Loxbeare around 5pm on Thursday 3 July. The disappearance is out of character and police are urging anyone who sees him to contact them. He is described as white, of medium to large build with brown hair and stubble. He is thought to be wearing black work trousers and a blue hoody. He is believed to be driving a white Vauxhall combo van, registration CVO6 UCP. Local police units, including the Force helicopter and...