Devon

East Devon District Council’s Cabinet yesterday has agreed to support Exmouth Rowing Club to move into the old lifeboat station adjacent to their existing premises on Queen’s Drive.

This will allow the council to move forward with its plans for the regeneration of Queen’s Drive.

The club will be charged a reduced rent for the new premises to be reviewed after five years. Refurbishment of the building to bring it up to date is to be funded by the club through an Inspired Facilities grant from Sport England.

Councillor Andrew Moulding, Deputy Leader of East Devon...

Devon’s Crealy Great Adventure Park today announces substantial investment during 2014, which will see five new rides and a themed indoor area open.

Chris Down, Managing Director and one of the family owners of Devon’s Crealy Great Adventure Park said: “Thanks to our guest feedback we are excited to be able to bring some fantastic new rides and attractions to Devon’s Crealy Great Adventure Park. As a family run business, we are looking to continue investing in the Park to ensure that the guest and member experience is exceptional.

“We’ve had a successful summer seeing a...

Just when you thought it was safe...

Forecasters are predicting strong winds and heavy rain will return to Devon this weekend.

Gusts could reach gale force in some areas, accompanied by persistent showers.

Trick or treaters face a damp night and the wet weather looks set to continue into the early part of next week.

This is the Exeter-based Met Office forecast:

Today:

Some bright or sunny spells this morning and becoming breezy. Scattered showers will spread from the west by midday, becoming increasingly frequent through the afternoon and...

The clocks going back signal the end of summer and it seems the weather has duly obliged.

The beginning of half term week didn't start too well and it seems it will end in similar fashion.

Forecasters are predicting more rain, strong winds and temperatures as low as 3C for Exeter, Mid and East Devon.

If you haven't dome so already, it's time to dog out your winter wollies and wellies.

The Met Office forecast is as follows:

Today

A bright start for many with only isolated showers. Rain, locally heavy, arriving in western parts before...

Thirty three children in Devon are currently waiting to be adopted, if adopters were available, says Devon County Council as it launches a campaign to encourage more prospective adopters.

Devon County Council's Devon Adoption service has children ranging in ages from six months to eight years, including sibling groups, waiting for a loving, safe, permanent home.

The service has, this year, cut the length of time it takes to approve adoption applications in a move to make the process simpler, and to encourage more adoptive parents to come forward.

There is now an...

On 6 November, the University of Exeter will be hosting a special gig by renowned Devon folk singer, Jim Causley.

At the gig, Jim, accompanied by guitarist Lukas Drinkwater, will be singing songs he has crafted from the words of poems by Charles Causley, one of Cornwall’s most celebrated 20th century poets and a distant relative of the folk singer. Charles Causley’s papers, including draft manuscripts of the poems which Jim Causley set to music, are held in the University’s Heritage Collections. As part of his research for developing his recent album of songs based on Charles...

The Gro Company, makers of the award-winning Grobag, is without doubt the UK’s favourite baby sleep brand, having been voted Best Sleeptime Brand by the Nursery Industry National Awards for two years running.

Beating off competition, Gro was voted for by retailers and brands in the nursery industry, demonstrating that its products are the most sought after in its category and the only serious choice for retailers and parents alike.

The evening became a double award winning event for Gro when they also picked up the award for Best E-Tailer /Use of Technology for its new...

East Devon villages that have been successful in the 2013 Best Kept Village competition, promoted by the Devon Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE), were rewarded in a ceremony at EDDC’s Full Council meeting last week.

Representatives of the winning villages are pictured receiving certificates from EDDC’s Chairman, Councillor Graham Godbeer, and Vice-Chairman Councillor Mrs Christine Drew.

Each year East Devon District Council also formally recognises the efforts made by parishes within East Devon that have been awarded high points in the competition but are not Devon-...

Devon's Luke Friend is so determined to win the X Factor he's been rehearsing into the early hours.

The 17-year-old, from Teignmouth, sailed through to the next round after putting in an impressive performance on last Saturday's show.

And he was up until 3am today ensuring he repeats his success this weekend.

At 3.17am dedicated Luke tweeted to his followers: "Been rehearsing for most of the night (and eating)! Goodnight world! #loveyou #friendies #rad"

Gary Barlow described Luke's performance as the 'surprise of the night' on Saturday and told him he'd come...

Highways teams across the county have been busy clearing up after last night’s severe winds and heavy rain, which have left fallen trees and debris across the county's road network.

So far, 81 fallen trees have been reported, including on many of the major A roads. Devon and Cornwall Police have received more than 200 calls about damages caused by the weather..

Several areas have also become flooded as a result of the heavy rain. The Environment Agency has issued 9 flood warnings in the South West region with warnings to those on the River Teign and Exe to prepare a flood...