Local News

Anyone who’s ever been the victim of a crime, no matter how small it is perceived to be, will know that it’s not simply the immediate effects of the crime itself that are felt. The impact can last for days, months and years, and can affect people far beyond the immediate victims, and manifest itself in many ways.

Often the judicial process can be lengthy and complex, and even if the perpetrator is convicted, it does not always lead to a satisfactory conclusion for the victim, who often has many questions that remain unanswered.

There is now an opportunity for people who...

Exeter Mid & East Devon Samaritans wants anyone worried about a friend, work colleague or family member who may be struggling to cope to ask them ‘Are you OK?’ this Thursday, September 10 - World Suicide Prevention Day.

“It takes a bit of bravery but if you suspect someone’s having a tough time, reach out. Let them talk and just listen - try not to judge” says Helen Crossfield, director of the local Samaritans.

More than 6,000 people take their own lives in the UK and Ireland every year.

“If people make it clear that they don’t want to talk to you, let them know...

Just days after securing the long-term futures of Sam Hill and Tomas Francis, Exeter Chiefs head coach Rob Baxter has moved swiftly to tie down another of his first team squad until 2017.

Keen to ensure continuity within the playing ranks at Sandy Park, Baxter has now added Australian forward Mitch Lees to those extending their stay with the Aviva Premiership club.

Lees, 26, joined the Chiefs ahead of the 2014/15 season from London Welsh and quickly established himself as a key figure in Baxter’s plan, featuring in 24 games last season.

Like newly-capped Welsh...

Despite reaching ‘peak beard’ last year, their ubiquity shows no sign of abating; facial hair remains the defining look for a generation of modern men.

Now, coinciding with World Beard Day (September 5 2015), a University of Exeter expert will take a look back at beards throughout history, in a major three-year project funded by the Wellcome Trust.

Dr Alun Withey, an expert in medical history, is launching “Do Beards Matter?”, which will study facial hair and its relationship to health and hygiene in Britain between 1700 and 1918, a period of extremes in facial hair trends...