The lives of 95 babies could be saved every hour – 830,000 a year – if new mothers around the world breastfed immediately after giving birth, Save the Children have said.
In a new report, Superfood for Babies , the charity says that if babies receive colostrum – the mother’s first milk – within an hour of birth, it will kick start the child’s immune system, making them three times more likely to survive. And, if the mother continues feeding for the next six months, then a child growing up in the developing world is up to 15 times less likely to die from killer diseases like...
The Marine Conservation Society (MCS), the UK’s leading marine charity, says reefs, eelgrass beds, cuttlefish, crawfish and short snouted seahorses are among the south Devon underwater habitats and wildlife that need better protection from damaging activities.
Two areas of the county’s coastal waters are among 31 that are currently the focus of a Government public consultation and could be designated as Marine Conservation Zones (MCZs) later this year.
But MCS says that the Torbay and Skerries Bank (southeast of Start Point) proposed MCZs will only benefit from protection...
A campaign to help make up a shortfall in new blood donors by recruiting 100,000 New Donors in 100 Days has been hailed a great success after the target was smashed two weeks early.
People came forward in their thousands to support the campaign run by NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) which was launched following a dramatic decline in the number of younger donors signing up in 2012.
A total of 2,519 (with 382 in Exeter) from Devon showed their heart in the run up to Valentine’s Day joining the 119,907 that signed up across England and North Wales. The new sign ups will help...
Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Service are urging chip lovers to take care when they indulge in one of the nation’s favourite foods – chips!
Leaving a chip pan unattended for any length of time can have disastrous results as the oil can easily overheat and ignite. A simple switch from the pan to the oven or a temperature controlled deep-fat fryer can help prevent the worst.
“From the chip shop to the kitchen table, chips will quite rightly be on the menu this week,” says Fire Investigation Officer, Mike Burroughs. “But the smallest distraction when using a hot chip...
Three goals from Ben Friend helped Dawlish United cruise to victory in the Devon & Exeter League 2nd Division, keeping first place in close sight.
In a first half in which the hosts forced no less than ten corners, it came as no surprise when Kristain Rabbage capitalised to net his side in front after 22 minutes, shortly after himself and Isaac Reed had shots saved.
As more pressure mounted on the visitors in the seaside sun, Dawlish doubled their lead when Friend headed in from a free-kick in the 39th minute - his first of the...
Twelve young people from Devon have been elected to represent the county on the national UK Youth Parliament 2013 to 2015, following recent elections.
Aged between 11 and 18, the young people were elected out of 18 young people in total from Devon, standing in the national elections.
More than 7,000 young people turned out to vote in over 50 polling stations across Devon; in schools, youth centres and youth clubs, to elect Members of the Youth Parliament and their Deputies.
They will now work locally in their Devon constituencies, with their peers, to champion...
Work on a missing link of one of Devon’s flagship cycle trails is to start within days and is hoped to be open this summer, following approval from Devon County Council’s Cabinet and successful conclusion of land negotiations.
Councillors have supported the £505,000 scheme which will close the final gap along The Granite Way. The route is part of a number of high profile National and International Trails which include, the Devon Coast to Coast , the National Cycle Network (NCN) Route 27, the Cycle West Velodyssey route which runs from North Devon down through France to Northern...
Councillors in East Devon have been quizzed, ranked and thanked by students at Sidmouth College this week as they took part in a special Political Speed Dating session with sixth formers on Wednesday 13 February.
Eight Members of East Devon District Council and one from Sidmouth Town Council were put to the test by over 50 students at the college in quick fire three minute sessions, during which they were faced with all sorts of tricky topics as they competed for votes from discerning young people.
Questions ranged from traditional topics such as the role of Councillors and...
Churches are stepping in and filling in the gaps they see in services in their community, as the recession continues to bite.
A survey by the Church Urban Fund of projects run by Anglican churches found 54 per cent of parishes run activities like debt centres, counselling, children's groups or lunch clubs to address the needs in their communities.
And 82 per cent of parishes have been asked for help by people in the community - and have responded to that call. Parishes offer a wide range of actitivities: 69 per cent of parish churches provide support with school work for...
A scientist at a Devon wildlife charity is to take on a top national job.
Dr Kirsten Pullen, Zoo Research Officer at the Whitley Wildlife Conservation Trust, is to become the new Chief Executive Officer at the British & Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA).
BIAZA represents the top zoological collections and promotes high standards in research, husbandry and animal welfare. The Whitley Wildlife Conservation Trust runs Paignton Zoo, Living Coasts in Torquay and Newquay Zoo in Cornwall, owns nature reserves and carries out conservation projects at home and...
