Devon

Two Devon students are celebrating six successful months of their clothing brand Elsie & Arthur.

Having launched the business in May, the two are now reaping the rewards of their hard work.

Jack Williams, 21, and Allie Lawson, 20, both studying at university in Cardiff, were awarded a launcher loan from School For Startups, founded by ex-Dragons’ Den investor Doug Richards.

“Living in the countryside, we understand our target market,” said Jack, a Business Studies student at Cardiff Metroplitan University. “From the beginning we had in mind the type of items...

Five Devon councils have taken legal action against their councillors for not paying council tax, nine times over the last four years.

Mid Devon, North Devon, West Devon district councils, Torridge council and Plymouth City Council have had to take action against their own members.

Councils also sent 76 first-reminders to councillors to prompt payment between 2009 and 2013.

The information was disclosed as part of a Freedom of Information request to several local authorities.

Exeter City Council and Torbay Council refused to disclose the information as it...

GPs in the south west have said they are under extra pressure due to patients coming to them rather than dentists with concerns over oral health. According to a poll conducted by ComRes, 82 per cent of GPs based in the South West believe that too many patients are turning to them for oral health advice instead of a dentist which is increasing pressure on general practices. The polling, released during Mouth Cancer Action Month, by the Association of Dental Groups (ADG), the professional body representing private and corporate dental practices, also showed that 96 per cent of GPs based in...

Devon and Cornwall police are to get £300,000 from the government to increase the practice of Restorative Justice as a punishment for some crimes.

Tony Hogg, the Police & Crime Commissioner will be given the funding over the next two years (£114,535 in 2013-14 and £185,000 in 2014-15).

Mr Hogg said: “Restorative justice is in some ways a simple subject and in some ways a complex subject. At the simple end it is a form of mediation, it can be employed in schools. At the upper end it’s more complex; it’s an interaction between victims and the perpetrators.

“But...

So who’s up for some fun festive frolics? Why not join the growing gang of Santa lookalikes shimmying 100ft down the @Renslade offices in central Exeter for Exeter YMCA’s fourth charity Santa Abseil, sponsored by Gilbert Stephens. Due to take place on Saturday 7th December, all moneys raised will help the YMCA continue to provide a home to over 40 young people and the support that they need to see a brighter future.

Peter Stephenson, Chief Executive of Exeter YMCA said, “Christmas is a time when many people are looking to give something back to their community. It’s also a time...

Update: Kieron Bryan's hearing has been postponed until Wednesday 20 November

Fellow freelance journalist Denis Sinyakov, a Russian national has been released on bail.

Before the judge Mr Sinyakov said: Sinyakov: "prosecution witnesses show I was photographing the event. Investigators consider photojournalism a crime?" (translated from Russian)

The hearing for Brazilian Greenpeace activist Ana Paula Alminhana Maciel has been postponed to tomorrow 11.00am

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A Journalist from Devon held as part of the Arctic...

Local developers Barratt homes are holding a resident’s consultation meeting today on plans to build 170 new homes on a site that was refused planning permission last year. The developers hope to build the new homes in between Monkerton and Pinhoe and will take views from local residents on the plans in a meeting in Hall Church in Pinhoe between 1pm and 8pm today. A spokesman for Barrat homes said: “We’ve listened to local residents and we’ve adjusted our old plans because we agree that public open space is very important. “If Exeter City Council gives us permission, we will build new...

The Stagecoach transport group has donated £10,000 to help relief efforts in the Philippines.

The transport group has made the donation to the Philippines Typhoon Appeal run by the Disasters Emergency Committee.

Stagecoach has also agreed to match up to £40,000 of funding raised by its employees.

The group employs 35,000 bus and rail employees in both the UK and North America.

Stagecoach Group Chairman Sir Brian Souter said: “The scale of the human tragedy caused by this disaster has touched all of our hearts and everyone wants to respond to the tremendous...

Hundreds of people from Exeter Together marched in protest today against the English Defence League (EDL).

Exeter Together protesters marched from Belmont Park to Bedford Square from about 11am this morning.

The 700 strong marchers arrived in Bedford Square and joined together in a variety of music, poetry and speeches.

The EDL’s march ended with speeches in Northernhay Gardens which were closed to members of the public by Police.

EDL marchers came dressed in burkhas, balaclavas and masks with the St. George’s cross on their face.

Police estimate...

Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Service are supporting the British Red Cross plea for more volunteers. So far this year Red Cross volunteers have responded to 122 calls across Devon and Somerset and were on standby during the recent storm which lashed large parts of the South.

The fire and emergency support (FES) service is a rapid response service working in partnership with the fire service. The Red Cross is always there to help people to cope after a fire or other emergency, providing practical and emotional support. Volunteers use a specially-adapted vehicle equipped...