UK retailers have withdrawn controversial costumes from sale following criticism on social media.

The costumes attracted a number of complaints for being insensitive to people with mental health problems.

Asda, owned by US company Walmart, received the bulk of the criticism - via the social media site Twitter - over its sale of a ‘mental patient costume’.

Among the critics was ex-footballer Stan Collymore, who has suffered from depression. He criticised Asda for stereotyping the condition.

He Tweeted: "Do you actually realise how many people are hanging...

Neil Parish, MP for Tiverton and Honiton, has pledged to take action to support the 800,000 people living with dementia across the UK. Neil Parish joined 200 other MPs and representatives from Alzheimer’s Society in Portcullis House, Westminster on Tuesday 10th September to provide a handwritten statement of the action they will take to support people with dementia and their carers. Neil Parish pledged to help tackle the stigma attached to dementia and raise awareness to improve diagnosis rates in their constituency. Neil Parish said: “Devon is a beautiful county and many elderly people...

The local Fire and Rescue Service has thanked the public of Devon and Somerset for taking extra care during the industrial action on Wednesday (25 September 2013).

Between the strike hours of 12 noon and 4pm, Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service received four calls to automatic fire alarms - none of which involved a fire - and attended one.

The Service also attended a medical emergency which was dealt with in the normal way as the local crew were working.

Chief Fire Officer Lee Howell said: “We are very grateful to the public for taking extra care during this...

Chris Sunderland, Director of the Bristol Pound project, will be explaining the value of a local currency for local businesses at a public meeting in St Stephen’s Church in Exeter High Street, Thursday evening 26 September (6.45pm arrival for 7pm start).

The Bristol Pound project was launched last year as a paper currency with internet banking facilities. Supported by Bristol City Council and the Mayor George Ferguson, it helps people support their local firms and shops and keeps purchasing power in the local economy. Users can also make mobile phone payments in Bristol Pounds....

Leading legal firm Stephens Scown LLP continues to lead the field in Devon and Cornwall with the announcement of independent guide Legal 500 rankings for 2013.

The firm’s family law team has retained its number one position for the 6th year, making them the best in the region. The newly announced guide to the legal profession singles out Stephens Scown’s team for its childcare work: “with a primary focus on the child being evident”, recommending Michael Lowry and Jo Stone, with Liz Allen singled out as a “leading individual”.

Also achieving the highest ranking, compared to...

By Beth May

Organisers of the fifth annual Budleigh Salterton Literary Festival have reported a record breaking year selling the highest number of tickets in the festival’s history.

This year’s festival, which took place from 19th – 22nd September attracted international interest with organisers taking orders for tickets from the other side of the globe.

The line up featured a dazzling list of distinguished authors including Hilary Mantel CBE, Melvyn Bragg, PD James, Peter Snow, Jackie Kay, Peter Stothard, Miriam Darlington, Sarah Moss, Sam Willis, Lynne Truss,...

Tom Lemon at leading furniture retailer, DFS, in Exeter has completed an extreme outdoor challenge to raise money for BBC Children in Need as part of DFS’s endeavour to raise over £1 million for the charity this year.

Earlier this month, on Wednesday 11 September, Tom Lemon joined DFS colleagues to tackle the Olympic white water rafting course that saw Team GB capture Gold and Silver medals at last year’s Olympic Games. To donate to Tom Lemon and the DFS team, visit https://mydonate.bt.com/teams/dfs

Helen Normoyle, Director of Marketing at DFS, said: “We like to give...