Local News

Local homes guarantee’ as housebuilder unveils plans for Newton Abbot site

A local developer in the South West is to guarantee that a majority of new homes on its proposed site in Newton Abbot will be ringfenced for local residents to reserve for the first eight weeks on sale.

Persimmon Homes South West has unveiled its plans for land off Kingskerswell Road at Langford Bridge, which would see the delivery of 40 high-quality and sustainable new homes for...

Donkeys in their barn at The Donkey Sanctuary Sidmouth

A festive bray out with the Sidmouth donkeys  

The Donkey Sanctuary in Sidmouth has the festive season all wrapped and is the perfect winter’s day out for the whole family.

With a new winter trail, free admission and parking, an award-winning gift shop and restaurant, the sanctuary in the heart of the East Devon countryside is open every day except Christmas Day. There is lots to see and do, both indoors and outside, and dogs on...

The Salvation Army to deliver ‘comfort and joy’ this Christmas as nearly two thirds of SW are seeing more signs of deprivation in their communities

New research from The Salvation Army finds that almost two thirds of the South West (65%) have seen signs of people experiencing deprivation in their community increase this year compared to last, and three in ten (30%) say their feelings of hope this Christmas are at an all-time low.

Painting a stark picture of a modern United Kingdom, the data also reveals that nearly half of...

Sandford Orchards Partners with Wooden Spoon Charity

Award-winning cider maker, Sandford Orchards, is relaunching its rugby charity cider, Rib Tickler, with donations from its sale going to Wooden Spoon, a charity whose aim is to positively transform the lives of vulnerable children and young people through the power of rugby.

Chief Cider Maker, Barny Butterfield, explains: “Rib Tickler began life as a collaboration between Sandford...

Charging ahead: Dartmoor National Park announces new EV chargers

Dartmoor National Park, is leading the charge in more sustainable tourism with five new electric vehicle (EV) charging points going live today, funded by BMW UK through its Recharge in Nature partnership with National Parks UK. The new chargers can each charge two cars simultaneously meaning that EV drivers can travel with more confidence to enjoy the beauty of Dartmoor.

The five new...

A generous gift results in the 6,000th bike donated to Exeter Cycling charity

Exeter-based charity ‘Ride On Cycling for All’, is delighted to be gifted a Voodoo Mountain bike making it the 6000th bike donated since the charity was formed.

Located on Exeter Quay, ‘Ride On’ was established in 2011 by bike ability instructor, Martyn Laxton. Working at a school in Teignmouth at the time he was concerned that many of the pupils either didn't have bikes, or they...

A year of transformative delivery in the Heart of the South West

The Heart of the South West Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) looks back on a year of impactful funding commitments and initiatives. Since January, the LEP has continued to work with stakeholders to provide funding and support for local businesses, skills, and job creation.

To date, LEP-funded activities have created over 7,800 new jobs, helped over 18,000 businesses to grow, and...

Dedicated Officers and Staff Recognised at North & West Devon Police Awards Ceremony

Police officers, staff and volunteers gathered in North Devon last week (21 Nov) to receive certificates and commendations for their hard work and service.

Those being recognised at the special annual ceremony were thanked by their colleagues and senior managers. T/Chief Superintendent Jennifer Bristow, Policing Commander for North, East & West Devon, and Superintendent Toby...

A herd of heritage Dartmoor ponies at Believer

Dartmoor Pony Heritage Trust launches Christmas membership drive to safeguard iconic heritage breed

In a push to redefine festive giving, the Dartmoor Pony Heritage Trust is encouraging the public to move beyond traditional gifts and embrace a present that not only brings joy to loved ones but actively contributes to the preservation of a cherished heritage pony— the Dartmoor Heritage Pony.

Membership gifts directly play a role in safeguarding Dartmoor's iconic Heritage ponies,...

West Country Women Awards Winners 2023 announced

WINNERS of the West Country Women Awards were announced at a sold-out glittering ceremony at the Crowne Plaza in Plymouth this weekend.

More than 320 guests, finalists and sponsors from all across the South West attended to celebrate winners across 16 categories.

The West Country Women Awards celebrate and recognise women all across the peninsular in all walks of life from...

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