Devon backs the Brexit

Voters in Devon have backed the rest of the country in voting to leave the EU.

A majority of 55 to 45 % of those in the county backed the Brexit.

Voters in East Devon, Mid Devon, North Devon, Plymouth, Teignbridge, Torbay, Torridge and West Devon voted to leave.

In Exeter, 55% voted to remain, by 35,270 votes to 28,533, and the turnout was 74% and in the South Hams Remain won with 29,308 votes to 26,142.

Nationally Leave won by 52% to 48%. UKIP leader Nigel Farage hailed it as the UK's "independence day" but the Remain camp called it a "catastrophe".

The pound fell to its lowest level against the dollar since 1985 as the markets reacted to the results.

The referendum turnout was 71.8% - with more than 30 million people voting - the highest turnout at a UK election since 1992.

Remain campaigner Julie Girling has spoken of her disappointment over the result of the EU referendum.

The Conservative MEP for the South West and Gibraltar said: "This is a shattering decision for Britain.

"I am deeply sorry that the people of the UK have chosen this leap in the dark. I believe future generations will question our wisdom.

"The EU has many faults, of course, but I remain convinced that we would be safer, stronger and better off by remaining a member.

"However, the British people have decided otherwise. The Conservative Party, like the whole nation, must put our disagreements behind us and pull together to get the best for Britain.

"As an MEP, I intend to do all I can to make sure we negotiate the best terms possible for our departure and protect our trade, exports and economy "