It is vital that the high welfare standards and traceability that UK farmers meet are replicated further down the supply chain as the horse meat and DNA revelations continue to undermine consumer confidence in the food they eat, the NFU said today.

As news emerged that Findus has removed one of its products – which in some cases were 100 per cent horse meat rather than beef – the NFU wants to emphasise to consumers that this issue had nothing to do with the integrity of UK farmed products. Consumers who are seeking reassurance in the food they buy should look to 100 per cent...

Gareth Steenson insists the hard work has already started as Exeter Chiefs quickly look to banish the disappointment of Friday's Aviva Premiership defeat to lowly Sale Sharks.

Seemingly in control at 16-5 up early in the second half thanks to 11 points from Steenson and a try from Fijian newcomer Watisoni Votu, the Chiefs then appeared to implode as they allowed the Sharks to fight their way back into the contest, eventually undoing their Devon rivals 21-16 to claim only their third top flight win of the season.

It was indeed a disappointing outcome for Rob Baxter's side,...

The University of Exeter Business School has won a bid for European research funds to work on ‘sustainability-driven innovation’ (SDI). Research and training in Exeter will concentrate on Biomimicry, creating business innovations inspired by nature. The total budget for the consortium is just under 3 million Euros over three years, of which the Business School will receive just over 300,000 Euros.

Exeter is part of a multi-partner consortium of eight international universities, coordinated by the European Academy of Business in Society (EABIS). Preliminary research suggests that...

Police are concerned for the welfare of Roger Duggan who went missing from the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, Wonford, at around 12.40am this morning (Monday 11th February 2013).

The 61-year-old, from Brampford Speke, is described as white, slim build with short grey receding hair. He is believed to have been wearing blue jeans and a red fleece when he went missing.

Anyone with information about Roger’s whereabouts is asked to call police on 101 quoting reference 36 of 11/02/13.

Exeter City FC will be saying 'no' to homophobia this Friday (15th February) at their evening match at home against Accrington Stanley (kick off 7.45pm).

The game is the club's annual designated 'Football v Homophobia' match. Backed by the Supporters' Trust, City's One Game One Community group is once again teaming up with the Devon Lions, the local gay friendly football side, and The Justin Campaign to help counter homophobic prejudice in the game.

Guillem Bauza, Exeter's One Game One Community ambassador has welcomed the initiative. "I am very happy to support Exeter City...

Pope Benedict XVI has made the shock annoucement that he is to resign at the end of this month, saying he is too old continue at the age of 85. He will step down after almost eight years in the post, having been elected in April 2005 following the death of John Paul II.

He will be the first head of the Catholic Church to resign in almost 600 years and the Vatican said his departure would leave the post temporarily vacant.

The 85-year-old's resignation letter said: "After...

Police are appealing for information following an armed robbery at Ernest Jones’ jewellers in Exeter this morning (11th February 2013).

The incident occurred at 9am at the store in the High Street.

It is believed three men in black clothing smashed the door, threatened staff with a hammer and stole boxes of Rolex watches.

Thieves ran off in the direction of John Lewis and got into a black Jaguar. Following an extensive search of the area, police located the vehicle in Sainsbury’s car park in Alphington.

During the incident one member of staff was injured by...

There will be another attraction this summer in Seaton, with East Devon District Council starting work on the new design for Seafield Gardens today (11th February). The completed feature will include seating, interpretation panels and chess and draughts boards where people can play their own games.

The £35,000 refurbishment of Seafield Gardens in Seaton to replace a broken, worn out and costly water feature is an important scheme for the town and has involved the community at every stage.

Work is expected to be completed in five weeks, but it is a complex project involving...

As well as encouraging you to test your smoke alarms regularly, Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue are working alongside a Fire Kills campaign to encourage you to test the smoke alarms of older relatives, friends and neighbours.

Testing smoke alarms can often be a tricky operation for an older person. The position of the alarm makes it harder to reach as well as the changing of the batteries.

Did you know they are four times more likely to die in a fire if they do not have a working smoke alarm?

An early warning is vital for everyone to make a safe escape in a...

Exeter College has been ranked the best performing further education college in Greater Devon for the third year running in the latest league tables released by the Government for students studying level 3 courses, using total points score per student and average points per exam – the key measures used by the media.

The new government league tables have become far more detailed and complicated, but what has not changed is the essential ingredient that is required to progress to further study, employment or University.

Exeter College is delighted that 92% of students on...