Exeter student wins award for device to detect parasite

Clare AinsworthSouth WestUniversity of ExeterMedical student Kathryn Thomas, 21, has invented a device to test for cryptosporidium at sourceA medical student hopes her award-winning invention for detecting a deadly water parasite could save thousands of people from the risk of infection.Kathryn Thomas, 21, from Berkshire, said the system she had developed for detecting cryptosporidium - parasites that can cause a respiratory and gastrointestinal illness - could make a "huge difference to the health of thousands of adults and…

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Santa fun run in Plymouth cancelled due to weather forecast

Plymouth's annual Santa Fun Run has been cancelled due to concern about the strong winds and rain which have been forecast.On Saturday night event organiser Roger Punch said much of the course would be exposed to the bad weather. He said the "difficult decision" had been taken to cancel the event since "our primary concern is to ensure the safety of all participants".The event had been organised by Saltram Rotary Club with support from Plymouth Waterfront partnership to…

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Hundreds gather as rival protests begin

BBCDevon and Cornwall Police said about 50 officers were at the sceneAbout 350 people have been taking part in rival protests in Plymouth.Flag Force Plymouth and a group of counter-protesters gathered near Plymouth Civic Centre on Saturday morning.Devon and Cornwall Police said about 50 officers were managing the scene, with their presence to "enable peaceful protests".A number of people from Flag Force and associated groups were in attendance.A group describing themselves as anti-fascists marched at the same time…

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Vertu Trophy: Twice winners Bolton face Port Vale in last 16 showdown

Twice winners Bolton Wanderers and Port Vale face a last-16 collision in this season's Vertu Trophy.Bolton, who lifted the trophy most recently in 2023 and beat Bradford City 3-0 in the previous round, will have home advantage for the tie against Vale - winners in 1993 and 2001 - which will take place in week commencing 12 January.Rotherham United, who have also won the competition on two occasions, face a tough all-Yorkshire tie at Huddersfield Town after putting…

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Small firms in south west named among UK’s ‘most inspiring’

Small Business Saturday UKDave and Karen Meadows of PUSHED are among the businesses highlighted in the Small Business Saturday campaign Two companies in the south west have been highlighted for their innovation and contribution to the community as part of Small Business Saturday (SBS).The event on Saturday, December 6, encourages the nation to show its support for independent firms by "spending locally and shopping small".The campaign said it was showcasing "100 brilliant small businesses across the country".The small…

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Mum’s illness inspires Devon girl, 5, to take on 5k Santa run

Ellis RussellMaddie is taking part in a 5k Santa run to raise money for Crohn's and ColitisA five-year-old girl is set to take part in a 5k (3.1 mile) Santa run to help people suffering from the same illness as her mum.Maddie is to take on the Exeter City Santa Run for the charity Crohn's and Colitis on Sunday, and said: "I want to raise money so I can help poorly people like mummy to get better."Her mother,…

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Five men in court charged with murder of man in Exmouth

Five men have appeared in court jointly charged with the murder of a 24-year old man.Denva Smith died from a single stab wound and was found in the garden of a property in Ashfield Close, Exmouth in Devon on 31 May.Dylan Chadwick, 23, of Cambourne Avenue, St Helens, Merseyside, Ben Mason, 23, of no fixed abode, and Ben Helliker, 26, of Halsdon Road, Exmouth, pleaded not guilty to the murder when they appeared at Exeter Crown Court on…

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Travel disruption in South West due to heavy rain and flooding

Travel in the South West has been affected by flooding after heavy rain on Friday.Great Western Railway (GWR) said a fallen tree on the rail line between Liskeard and Bodmin Parkway had led to the timetabled trains between Plymouth and Truro being delayed.The train firm said the service between Liskeard and Looe had been cancelled due to flooding and the line at Roche had been flooded by heavy rain so the service between Par and Newquay had also…

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University of Plymouth building evacuated after chemical leak

A university building has been evacuated after a chemical leak, firefighters have said.Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service said eight fire engines were at the scene at the University of Plymouth's Davy Building, along with some specialist appliances.It said everyone had been accounted for. Devon and Cornwall Police said it was assisting the fire service with traffic management. The BBC has asked the university for comment. Source link

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Julio Pleguezuelo: Plymouth Argyle defender’s joy at return to fitness

Julio Pleguezuelo says it was an "amazing feeling" to return to the field after being out all season.The Plymouth Argyle defender started Tuesday's Vertu Trophy win at Leyton Orient after recovering from knee surgery.The 28-year-old Spaniard was injured in Argyle's final game of pre-season back in August. "It was an amazing feeling to be back out there on the pitch," he told BBC Radio Devon."It's been a long time coming, but I got through all my rehab and…

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Exeter City financial problems boosted by Jay Stansfield transfer payment

Stansfield is one of a number of players who have come through the Exeter system and gone on to be sold for high fees alongside Ollie Watkins and Ethan Ampadu.In their last accounts published in April 2025 for the financial year ending June 2024, Exeter said they could earn around £5m from transfers.But the club has hit financial problems over the past few months after overspending their budget last season.It led to chief executive Joe Gorman and chairman…

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