Yearly Archives: 2025

Devon young heroes celebrated in BBC Make a Difference awards

Devon young heroes celebrated in BBC Make a Difference awards

BBCDan said presenting on radio gave him more confidence off airFour young people from Devon are being recognised for their contributions to the community.The BBC Make A Difference Young Hero Award celebrates under 16s making a positive impact in local communities and will be announced at a ceremony on Thursday.This year's finalists include 10-year-old Hugo who sells lemonade for the Make a Wish Foundation - in memory of his grandmother, and 15-year-old Henry, who supports children and families…

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M5 lane in Devon remains closed after resurfacing overruns

One lane is closed on the M5 southbound after overnight works overran, highways bosses say.The lane is closed between junctions 28 and 29 because resurfacing works had "not been completed", said National Highways on X, adding that it would remain closed throughout Saturday.The motorway was completely closed on Thursday night and much of Friday after two multi-vehicle collisions.In one crash, Devon and Cornwall Police said a driver in his 30s from Plymouth died after four vehicles collided at…

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Blue lobsters in Devon and Cornwall waters rising, say scientists

Blue lobsters in Devon and Cornwall waters rising, say scientists

Jonathan MorrisSouth West andGeorge ThorpeSouth WestBBCBlue lobsters have a genetic mutation which produces the vivid colourBright blue lobsters have long been considered one of nature's wonders, widely touted as a one-in-two-million find. But scientists and hatchery experts are now questioning whether these beautiful electric blue crustaceans are truly as rare as once was believed.Why do lobsters turn blue?The colour of a lobster's shell is the result of a complex interplay between two compounds, according to Prof Jamie Stevens…

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Giant Sun artwork rises in Plymouth’s Market Hall

A monumental new artwork representing the Sun has arrived in Plymouth.Internationally renowned artist Luke Jerram has brought his latest installation, Helios, to the Market Hall in Devonport.The 23ft (7m) wide inflatable sphere is illuminated and accompanied by audio which includes a dawn chorus and sounds from solstice celebrations."We're not normally allowed to look at the Sun because it's so damaging to our eyes, this artwork lets people see the surface of the Sun, in a safe and beautiful…

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Andrew Parkinson: Plymouth Argyle chief executive officer resigns

Andrew Parkinson has quit his role as Plymouth Argyle's chief executive officer after just over six years in the job.Parkinson, one of the key figures behind the ultimately ill-fated appointment of Wayne Rooney as Argyle boss last year, became CEO in May 2019.He was part of the club's rise from League Two to the Championship as the Pilgrims claimed two promotions in four seasons."After nearly seven years at Argyle, I feel now is the right time to move…

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Andrew Oluwabori: Yeovil Town bring Exeter City forward back on loan

Yeovil Town have signed Exeter City forward Andrew Oluwabori on loan until January 2026.The 23-year-old moved to the Grecians from FC Halifax Town in February and has made eight appearances for the club.His only goal came in the 3-1 win over Huddersfield Town in April and he has yet to play a league game this season.It is Oluwabori's second spell at Huish Park, having made 24 National League appearances for Yeovil while on loan from Peterborough United in…

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More seahorses being spotted close to the shore in South West

More seahorses being spotted close to the shore in South West

Watch: Seahorses off the coast of Devon and CornwallA conservationist has said more sightings of seahorses have been reported in the waters around the South West recently.Neil Garrick-Maidment, the founder of Devon-based The Seahorse Trust, said two of the creatures had been seen in the inner harbour in Torquay for the first time, having previously only been recorded in the outer one.Andrea Andrews-Benson's daughter had been crabbing in Torquay's harbour on Monday when she caught a seahorse and…

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Getting SEN support is ‘like fighting a war’

Getting SEN support is ‘like fighting a war’

Miles DavisDevon political reporterBBCRachel Turner says trying to get the education her daughter is legally entitled to is "a constant battle"The mother of an autistic teenager says her council's special educational needs service has "failed" her daughter.Rachel Turner from Exeter said getting the support her daughter was entitled to under a care plan agreement with Devon County Council was like "fighting a war".The council has overspent on special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) services by more than £50m…

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Trial date set for man accused of murdering inmate

A man accused of murdering a fellow prison inmate has been told his trial will take place next year.James Desborough, 39, from Cornwall appeared before Exeter Crown Court on Friday accused of murdering Steven Kempster, 65, who police said had been found dead in his cell in HMP Exeter on Monday.Mr Desborough appeared at court via video link from prison and spoke only to confirm his name.Judge James Patrick confirmed a plea and trial preparation hearing would take…

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Families rescued after fire breaks out at Sherford flats

Families rescued after fire breaks out at Sherford flats

BBCThe fire broke out at Aquila Drive in Sherford on Thursday eveningTwenty eight people were rescued while a further two evacuated themselves after fire broke out at a block of flats.Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service said families could not leave their homes due to thick smoke in the communal building at Aquila Drive at Sherford, Devon early on Friday.The service said the fire was confined to the stairwell but other parts of the building suffered smoke…

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Devon sports clubs recognised for positive impact

Devon sports clubs recognised for positive impact

BBC"Women come out of boxercise feeling awesome," says Phoenix Rising founder Claire LearSporting clubs are being recognised for making a change to people's physical and mental wellbeing.Four organisations have been nominated for the Active Award in BBC Radio Devon's 2025 Make a Difference Awards.Phoenix Rising in Torbay, Pisces Swimming Club and the Groovement Project, both in Plymouth, and Devon Deaf Rugby are all up for the award.They were nominated by members of the community ahead of a ceremony…

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M5 closed in both directions in Devon after crashes

M5 closed in both directions in Devon after crashes

BBCPolice have closed the M5 in both directions between J27 at Sampford Peverell to J28 in CullomptonA number of people have been seriously injured following two multi-vehicle collisions on the M5 in Devon, police have said.The motorway has been closed since Thursday evening following the crashes, which have resulted in major traffic delays. National Highways South West said the motorway was shut at about 23:00 BST in both directions between J27 at Sampford Peverell and J28 in Cullompton.Devon…

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