city news

Experts analyse extraordinary wartime career of Winston Churchill in new podcast

The extraordinary career of Winston Churchill and the events which led to him becoming Britain’s leader during World War Two are the focus of a fascinating new podcast. Churchill: The Finest Half Hour brings together two leading international academic experts on the politician Professor Richard Toye and Dr Warren Dockter. They analyse in detail Churchill’s dramatic rise to power and bring global audiences fascinating facts and fresh insights into the career of one of the most remarkable figures…

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Calls for traffic action to protect school children in Plymouth

Calls for traffic action to protect school children in Plymouth

Councillors have called for more protection for children following reports of illegal parking on double yellow lines and zigzags near schools.Councillor Chris Wood's motion asking Plymouth City Council for increased enforcement and a public awareness campaign to highlight the dangers of illegal parking was backed by all members.While he recognised enforcement was taking place, Wood said the situation outside many schools "remained unacceptable".The council has employed a dedicated enforcement officer to cover five schools in the Ham and…

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Man, 53, dies after van hits wall at Sidbury

Man, 53, dies after van hits wall at Sidbury

A 53-year-old van driver has died after his vehicle left the road and hit a wall, police have said.The crash happened on the A375 at Sidbury near Sidmouth in east Devon at about 14:30 GMT on Wednesday, the Devon and Cornwall force said.It said the driver, a local man, sustained fatal injuries as a result of the crash and his next of kin had been informed.Police are appealing for witnesses to the crash which happened as the van…

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University of Exeter to support businesses in Somerset with new ‘Innovation Hub’

The University of Exeter is reaching into Somerset to support businesses and economic growth through the launch of a new Innovation Hub. The Somerset Innovation Hub, led by Exeter Innovation in collaboration with Somerset Council and SETsquared Bath, will help businesses across Somerset harness innovation, develop new products and services, and drive regional economic growth. From its base at the Firepool Centre for Digital Innovation in Taunton, the Innovation Hub will deliver a two-year programme of innovation services and events that support Somerset’s entrepreneurs, start-ups…

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Unique Nursing degree apprenticeship offers 15-month route to degree 

A unique new Degree Apprenticeship to upskill Nursing Associates to become Registered Nurses in 15 months is launching at the University of Exeter.   Subject to approval by the Nursing and Midwifery Council, the earn-while-you-learn programme will blend work-based practice with flexible online and in-person learning, and will empower apprentices to advance their clinical and theoretical knowledge and achieve the high-level skills to progress to a registered nursing qualification, while continuing to care for patients  Exeter’s innovative approach has been developed with a strong focus on inclusivity and widening participation. Much of the learning will take place online,…

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Former Plymouth solicitor denies sex abuse and rape of clients

Former Plymouth solicitor denies sex abuse and rape of clients

Stephen Richards/GeographAlan Harris is accused of sexually abusing clients in the cells at Charles Cross Police Station (pictured) and Plymouth Magistrates' CourtA former criminal defence solicitor has denied he sexually abused and raped clients.Alan Harris, of Thorn Park, Plymouth, Devon, is on trial at Winchester Crown Court accused of 18 charges of indecent assault, eight charges of sexual assault, three charges of rape and one of another serious sexual offence.The 72-year-old, who has denied all 30 charges, is…

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Budget sparks concern among south west businesses

Budget sparks concern among south west businesses

Georgina BarnesSouth WestBBCJohn Brown says increased wages will come at an "extra cost for businesses"Workers aged between 18-20 will see a minimum wage increase to £10.85 an hour, up from £10, and those aged 21 and over on the living wage will receive £12.71 an hour, up from £12.21.Teenagers aged 16 or 17 on the minimum wage will be paid £8 an hour - a 45p raise.Mr Brown said businesses needed more support with the rising wages.He said:…

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Ross Vintcent: Exeter’s Italy forward out for up to 12 weeks

Ross Vintcent: Exeter’s Italy forward out for up to 12 weeks

Vintcent scored three tries in Exeter's opening three matches of the season before a short spell out with a knock.Baxter said that while it is a blow, he is confident he will come back strongly. "He's had a really, really strong start to the season for us," he said. "He was playing very, very well, had a bit of a bang playing for us, and so we left him out for a week while we had the opportunity…

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Beans On Toast | Kill Them With Kindness

Beans On Toast | Kill Them With Kindness

Beans On Toast: Kill Them With Kindness (Self-released via BOT Music) CD | LP | DL | Stream Out 1st December 2025 PRE-ORDER HERE Our Score Just as much as you expect Christmas to come around each December, then you can be certain that every year this will be preceded by the annual birthday album by our folk troubadour and storytelling champion, the one and only Beans On Toast. This time Beans has finally cornered his touring band to…

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Exeter delivers on global stage at COP30

The University of Exeter played a significant role at COP30 as it aimed to help combat climate change through its world-leading climate science. Highlights from the University’s packed itinerary in Belem included the launch of the Global Carbon Budget, the leading academic authority on global carbon emissions and sinks, which is now in its 20th year. The University and its partners launched the Parliamentarians’ Global Guide to Climate Change and Climate Solutions, a comprehensive guide for lawmakers around the world, and findings from…

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Derek Adams: Plymouth Argyle ‘will strengthen in January transfer window’ says director of football

Derek Adams: Plymouth Argyle ‘will strengthen in January transfer window’ says director of football

Argyle climbed off the bottom of League One on Saturday after winning 1-0 at fellow strugglers Port Vale, ending a six-game losing run in all competitions.The injury-hit club hope the result can be the catalyst to turn their fortunes around.Adams said that while he will lead the football operation, any transfers will only happen if head coach Tom Cleverley feels they will strengthen the squad. "I'm in charge of the football business from the point of view that…

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Homes could be built on former Exeter golf course

Homes could be built on former Exeter golf course

Plans to build 54 houses on an old golf driving range could be approved if developers pledge money to local health services and to make 19 of the properties affordable.Developers plan to build on the former Topsham Golf Academy field off Exeter Road.Heritage Developments would be given a deadline as early as June next year for the conditions to be carried out - other requirements include managing open spaces and providing a children's play area.Exeter City Council officers…

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