An explosion in a cow shed in the German town of Rasdorf yesterday afternoon (Monday 27 Jan) was caused by a build-up of flatulent gas, German police have said. The blast caused damage to the shed’s roof and left one of the cows with injuries. Police believe that the shed became filled flammable methane gas released by the flatulence and belches from the 90 cows.

It is then though that a small static electrical spark then caused the gas to ignite and explode.

Emergency services attended the farm and took gas readings to test for the risk of further blasts, said local media...

Wildlife charity volunteers have given more hours than ever before.

Volunteers at Paignton Zoo Environmental Park and Living Coasts in Torquay gave more than 26,000 hours during 2013 - equivalent to nearly 3 whole years, 155 weeks or more than 1,000 full days.

For the year ending in October 2013, 166 volunteers gave 26,074.5 hours – 1,932.25 more than in 2012.

Volunteer Coordinator Neil Thomas-Childs is full of praise for all the volunteers at both sites: “The support from our volunteers is very much appreciated as, without their time and dedication, much of what...

The Nuffield Health Exeter Hospital are now able to expand their chemotherapy services after a sister at the hospital has completed her training.

Chemotherapy services at the private hospital, which many don't even realise are available, offer that extra bit of privacy.

Miriam White, has completed her training to expand the hospital’s private chemotherapy service with her colleague, Anna Gillard.

She said:

“Most people are unaware that we provide a chemotherapy service. Patients appreciate the privacy and comfort of their own room with en-suite facilities...

Chelsea's famous bad boy Spencer Matthews proved a hit with locals when he made a public appearance at Timepiece in Exeter.

Spencer, famous for starring in shows such as Made in Chelsea and The Bachelor, made his apperance as part of Timepiece's regular ' Clique Mondays'.

Crowds, of mainly female, locals and students gathered to see one of SW3's most famous stars.

Spencer, who arrived with his entourage in tow, showed what a down to earth man he is by posing with fancy dress items and helping people use their camera phones!

He continued to prove he was game...

Forecasters are warning that further heavy rain is due to hit Devon until late on Tuesday (28 January).

The Met Office warns that frequent showers, some heavy, will bring a further 10-15 mm of rainwater into the region with the risk of up to 40 mm of rain on some areas of high ground.

The rain brings the risk of even further flooding and travel disruption especially in areas where the ground is already saturated.

The Met Office’s chief forecaster said: “A very unsettled start to this week is expected as an area of low pressure moves slowly southwards across Britain...

An Exeter housebuilder has revealed plans to launch a new local site within the next 12 months. David Wilson Homes claim that the site for 40 houses will provide around 80 new jobs in building and sales, mostly for local tradesmen and sub-contractors.

"The Prime Minister has said again and again that one of the best ways to boost economic growth and get people working is through building more homes," said Louise Ware, sales director for David Wilson Homes.

"The plans we have announced show exactly how that theory works in practice. We expect to launch a number of new sites...

The Carphone Warehouse in Tiverton has offered a £500 reward for information after a large number of phones were taken during a burglary last week.

The store in Tiverton’s Fore Street, was targeted by thieves in the early hours of Thursday 23 January 2014.

The thieves broke into an empty property above the shop and before breaking through the floor into offices below.

Carphone Warehouse is offering the reward for information that leads to the conviction of those responsible for the theft of the phones, worth £3,500.

Detective Constable Rachel Cole, who is...

Motorists in Exeter can now pay for parking by phone, the City Council has announced.

New PayByPhone technology allows anyone using Exeter City Council's 23 pay and display car parks to pay for their ticket by phone.

The City Council wanted a parking payment solution that gave motorists the flexibility to pay by phone and charge parking to their credit or debit card, instead of being constrained by the amount of change they had in their pockets or handbag.

Cllr Rosie Denham, Lead Councillor for Economy and Culture, said the system was already proving popular: “Pay...