Local News

Dexter, Exeter Racecourse’s much-loved mascot, swapped the parade ring for a special festive mission last week as he delivered bags of Christmas presents to children on Bramble Ward at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital.

The gifts were donated by generous racegoers who attended Exeter Racecourse’s recent ELF Raceday, held in support of the Exeter Leukaemia Fund (ELF). Dozens of presents were collected at the racecourse’s gifting drop-off point and will now be shared with children and young patients in the lead-up to Christmas.

General manager Jack Parkinson said: “We...

The RSPCA is inviting animal lovers across Devon to pick up their knitting needles and crochet hooks to help pets in need this winter, as part of its Big Give Back to Animals appeal.

The charity is appealing for handmade blankets that can offer comfort, warmth and security to animals - at a time when the ongoing cost-of-living crisis is leaving many families struggling to keep their pets warm. Blankets will be distributed through the RSPCA’s Pet Food Bank Partnership, which works with food banks and community groups nationwide to provide essential items - including food, toys and...

Westbank Community Health and Care has opened the doors of its warm, welcoming winter space for the communities of Exminster and Starcross, and is trialling a new shuttle service two days a week to help local people get there.

Warmwell at Westbank is within the charity’s recently revamped Community Hub and is open Monday - Friday from 10am for anyone seeking a welcoming, heated space during the daytime where they can share a cuppa and conversation during the colder months, including over the festive season. Warmwell will be closed on Christmas Day, but open on Boxing Day and New...

By Bradley Gerrard, Local Democracy Reporter

Work to remove a set of bollards that risked the progress of extension work at an Exeter doctor’s surgery has finally got underway after months of back-and-forth.

Pinhoe Surgery has been approaching a vital deadline with building materials for its extension works due to be delivered next month.

But it has needed a set of bollards removed to enable the goods to be delivered.

The bollards are essentially part of the highway, meaning Devon County Council has responsibility for them, however, they are positioned...