devon

Police offer young people cyber crime awareness course

Devon and Cornwall Police is offering young people interested in the cyber industry a free course to help them stay safe - and on the right side of the law.The police force said the free session would give young people "the tools they need to avoid getting involved in unlawful computer activity or becoming a victim themselves".It said the session would educate students of all ages about legal and illegal cyber activities and raise their awareness about offences…

Continue ReadingPolice offer young people cyber crime awareness course

Devon hospitals plant trees for colleagues lost to suicide

Two Devon hospitals have planted trees in memory of health workers who have lost their lives to suicide.The Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital (RD&E) and North Devon District Hospital held tree-planting ceremonies last week to coincide with National Suicide Memorial Day for Health and Care Workers.In the UK, a nurse took their own life every week, while, for doctors, it was once every three weeks, a spokesperson said.Dr Vanessa Purday, chief medical officer at the RD&E, said: "Many…

Continue ReadingDevon hospitals plant trees for colleagues lost to suicide

Devon community projects thanked for Making a Difference

Devon community projects thanked for Making a Difference

BBCAuthoring Our Own Stories empowers young people to shape community safety initiativesFour community organisations in Devon have been recognised for their outstanding work supporting local people.All four are finalists in the BBC Morning Live Make a Difference awards for organisations that have transformed lives in their communities.The Benita Project, Authoring Our Own Stories, the Youth Arts and Health Trust, and the Mid Devon Messenger have each been celebrated for their positive impact across Tiverton, Exeter, Plymouth, and South…

Continue ReadingDevon community projects thanked for Making a Difference

Man arrested as demonstrators gather in Plymouth city centre

Police arrested a man over a suspected public order offence in Plymouth as rival protests gathered in the city centre.About 225 people turned out for the third Raise The Flag protest and an anti-fascist counter-protest on Saturday evening.Police said a man in his 50s was arrested under the Public Order Act, and that a small group was dispersed from the area, but the evening passed mostly peacefully.The Devon and Cornwall force said in a statement: "This evening, we…

Continue ReadingMan arrested as demonstrators gather in Plymouth city centre

Devon boy, 7, wins young animal handler of the year

A seven-year-old boy from Devon has won a major award at the 2025 Young British Farming Awards. Jack, from near Kingsbridge, won the junior Young Handler of the Year award after having success in the last two years showing sheep and cattle.The awards ceremony took place at Cannon Hall Farm last week, with Jack being praised for his "enthusiasm, confidence and ability" to get the best out of his animals.Jack's recent success includes Champion Junior Handler at the…

Continue ReadingDevon boy, 7, wins young animal handler of the year

Paul Wotton: Torquay United boss impressed by Ebbsfleet victory

Torquay United manager Paul Wotton says he 'loved' his side's 1-0 win over Ebbsfleet United. Jordan Young flicked in Callum Dolan's cross from inside the penalty area to score the decisive goal midway through the first half at a windy Plainmoor.The win saw Torquay keep a clean sheet for the first time this season and move up to third place in National League South - six points off leaders Hornchurch. "It was hard earned, absolutely. Credit to Ebbsfleet,…

Continue ReadingPaul Wotton: Torquay United boss impressed by Ebbsfleet victory

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…

Continue ReadingDevon young heroes celebrated in BBC Make a Difference awards

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…

Continue ReadingM5 lane in Devon remains closed after resurfacing overruns

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…

Continue ReadingBlue lobsters in Devon and Cornwall waters rising, say scientists

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…

Continue ReadingMore seahorses being spotted close to the shore in South West

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…

Continue ReadingGetting SEN support is ‘like fighting a war’

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…

Continue ReadingFamilies rescued after fire breaks out at Sherford flats