There have been significant algal blooms along a stretch of the South Devon coast for several weeks now. This is a common and natural phenomenon, which develops well in very warm weather, say the Environmental Health team at East Devon District Council.

The algae have been identified by the Environment Agency, who advise that they are essentially harmless. It is safe to swim in the sea when the bloom is present, but often people choose not to because it has a slimy feel and causes the water to be somewhat murky and odorous. Many people in Sidmouth particularly noticed a strong...

The mechanical phoenix who sits at the entrance of the Exeter Phoenix has been reanimated after several years of inactivity.

Now, at certain points of the day, you can witness this metal sculpture stand up, take a look around and flex its majestic wings.

Go along and see it for yourself - it will awaken daily at 10am (when the building opens), noon, 1pm, 2pm, 5pm, 6pm, 7.30pm and 10pm.

Calling all Runners - past, present and future! Are you currently training to run an event in aid of Exeter Leukaemia Fund? Have you run for ELF in the past? Are you interested in running for ELF in the future? If so, Jo Pavey, four-time Olympian and ELF Vice Patron, would love to meet you! Exeter Leukaemia Fund would like to invite you to join Jo for a relaxed and casual evening at the Buckerell Lodge Hotel, Topsham Road, Exeter, EX2 4SQ on 23 July 2013 at 7.15pm. The evening will be a great opportunity for runners of all abilities to talk about running with an expert and gain from Jo’s...

Staff from the Nuffield Heath Exeter Hospital have walked through the night to raise money for the Rowcroft Hospice in Torquay.

Business Development Coordinator Sophie Newbolt, Out Patient Services Manager Julie Chisholm, Ward Manager Sue Bore and Staff Nurse Alison Harbord entered the 15-mile Midnight Walk as the “Nuffield Onesies”.

They raised £500 for the hospice.

Julie said: “I worked at Rowcroft as a Senior Staff Nurse for ten years. It just seemed right to do this walk for them to support the excellent work they do.”

Sophie said: “My friend’s...

After terrible embarrassment on a holiday flight where she couldn’t fit into her seat, Devon woman Claire Coles has lost an amazing 11 stone and 9 dress sizes.

“I couldn’t fit into the seat, and after the embarrassment of asking for a seat belt extender, it was still a very tight fit, my legs were pinched and I couldn't even lower the tray, it was very uncomfortable. I was so embarrassed and unhappy, I just wanted the floor to open up and swallow me, I spent the five hours of the flight in tears," Claire said.

It was looking at holiday pictures when Claire...

Last week, in St Petersburg, Russia, four students from the University of Exeter, won a worldwide technology competition hosted by Microsoft, triumphing over 71 other countries and scooping the first prize reward of $50,000.

Supported by the University of Exeter Students’ Guild entrepreneurial programme IGNITE alongside SETsquared, the four students aged between 20 – 23-years-old, created the winning app idea in Exeter earlier this year, when the regional heats were held at Exeter’s Streatham Campus. The students went on to win the UK finals in London with their idea and, having...

Students studying as part of the Exeter College Reach Academy have been celebrating their achievements in a special awards ceremony.

Joining the students were key sponsors and contributors of the Academy from the Met Office, Michelmores LLP and the Exeter University Model United Nations group.

The Academy, launched in 2009 with an aim to support the most academically able students to reach top university destinations, has had another busy year. 60 students on the programme commit to an additional 60 hours of extra-curricular activity each week in order to boost their skills...