Devon News

Topless runner to take part in topless swim in Devon

Topless runner to take part in topless swim in Devon

A cancer survivor and campaigner will be taking part in a charity swim later. Louise Butcher, who is known as the Topless Runner, will be among the swimmers at the Royal Devon Hospitals Charity Topless Swim 2025 which aims to raise funds and awareness of breast cancer. She said last year's swim at Ilfracombe raised £50,000 with 250 ladies "all proudly showing their breasts" including some who had mastectomy scars.Teams from North Devon District Hospital and Fern Centre…

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Former Exeter policeman named honorary alderman

A former lord mayor of Exeter who served in the police for 30 years has been appointed an honorary alderman.Percy Prowse, 72, is only the 16th person to be awarded the recognition since 1981.Mr Prowse, a familiar figure in Exeter's streets as a cape-wearing police officer, said he was "truly honoured".He had served more than 30 years with Devon and Cornwall Police and was often seen cycling through Exeter in his blue serge cape, said the Local Democracy…

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Quest for more Devon film locations worthy of Harry Potter

Quest for more Devon film locations worthy of Harry Potter

Jonathan MorrisSouth WestAidan Monaghan/HBODominic McLaughlin as Harry Potter in the TV series which has been filmed in the South WestAn organisation supporting film productions in Devon is on a mission to map out the county's most film-worthy locations, building a comprehensive database to attract more productions to the region. From windswept moors to chocolate-box villages, the film office is working to ensure Devon's landscapes are front and centre in the UK's screen industry.Recent high-profile productions such as a…

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National Grid customers in Plymouth to get safety check visits

Plymouth residents are to get electric supply safety checks as part of an inspection programme, National Grid says. The utility provider said some domestic and small business customers in the PL1 postcode, including the city centre, Stoke and Devonport areas, were to be visited by approved contractors from 22 October to check "service termination points [known as cut-outs] inside properties are working as they should".Bosses said inspectors would visually check energy suppliers' equipment and record basic details. No…

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Devon carbon monoxide warning as poisoning cases rise

Devon carbon monoxide warning as poisoning cases rise

BBCThe fire service said carbon monoxide alarms saved livesResidents are being urged to install carbon monoxide detectors in their homes after a rise in poisoning cases. Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service said the number of suspected carbon monoxide poisoning cases had doubled nationwide since 2020.It said call-outs to suspected poisoning cases across the country peaked this year at 7703, up from 3,876 in 2020.Mike Porter, manager for Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service, said an…

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Doctor who exposed himself to teen McDonald’s worker struck off

Doctor who exposed himself to teen McDonald’s worker struck off

Getty ImagesThe incident happened at a McDonald's drive-through restaurant in BristolA doctor who exposed himself to a 16-year-old McDonald's worker at a drive-through has been struck off.Emmanuel Hakem committed the act after the girl gave him his order at a branch in Bristol in October 2022.Hakem, who was training in obstetrics and gynaecology at Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust at the time, was erased from the medical register on Friday.After his arrest, Hakem was still allowed…

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Residents report unpleasant smell in Tiverton

A council is investigating a "mysterious" and "unpleasant" smell in a Devon town after a number of complaints.Mid Devon District Council has received multiple complaints from residents about a smell affecting parts of Tiverton, the cause of which is still to be determined.To help the council with its investigation, people experiencing the smell have been asked to complete diary sheets until the end of the month.The diary sheets should contain the type of smell and the impact it…

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Woman hit by car at Devon hospital suffering head injury

BBCPolice are appealing for witnesses and information following the collision at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital on FridayA woman has serious head and leg injuries after being hit by a car within the grounds of a Devon hospital, police have said. Devon and Cornwall Police said it received reports at about 10:35 BST on Friday to a collision involving a black Toyota Yaris and a pedestrian at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital.Officers said the woman in…

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Former church leader denies sexual assault charges, court hears

A former Methodist church leader has pleaded not guilty to charges of sexual assault and indecent assault, a court has heard. Steven Wild, 71, of Steeple Close in St Ives, appeared at Truro Crown Court on Friday.Wild was charged with eleven offences which involved a number of women between 2004 and 2019. A trial has been set for November 2026 and he has been remanded on unconditional bail until a review hearing in September next year. Wild, who…

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Plymouth man arrested after multiple crashes involving stolen van

A man has been arrested after a van hit a series of vehicles before crashing into a city centre roundabout.The delivery van was stolen from Union Street at about 15:20 BST on Thursday, Devon and Cornwall Police said.The force said it was then involved in three hit-and-run crashes with vehicles on Outland Road, Western Approach and Looseleigh Lane, before hitting another car and crashing into the barrier at Charles Cross Roundabout shortly before 17:00.Officers said a man in…

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Reopening of Heavitree Road in Exeter delayed by a month

Reopening of Heavitree Road in Exeter delayed by a month

Miles DavisDevon political reporterBBCThe main road out of Exeter will now be closed until 10 NovemberThe main road out of Exeter will now be closed until 10 November - a month later than when it was initially scheduled to reopen.The northbound section of Heavitree Road and the bus lane next to it will remain closed "due to the conditions of the road", Wales and West Utilities has said.The company is carrying out work on the gas network in…

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Zack Wimbush & Orson James: Cornish Pirates sign Exeter pair on loan

Zack Wimbush & Orson James: Cornish Pirates sign Exeter pair on loan

Exeter winger Zack Wimbush and scrum-half Orson James have joined Champ side Cornish Pirates on loan.Wimbush, 21, has played 27 times for Exeter in all competitions and will use the spell at the Mennaye to help recover from a pre-season toe injury.Welsh scrum-half James, 21, has been out for the past 18 months after needing two operations on a knee ligament injury. "This is a great opportunity for both players to compete for spots in a competitive Pirates…

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