A countryside charity has warned that Devon’s farmland is under growing pressure from competing land demands, following the Government’s publication of a new national framework.

The Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE) in Devon has criticised the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) Land Use Framework, unveiled this week, arguing it could have serious consequences for food production and the county’s rural landscape.

The framework, the first of its kind in England, sets out how land could be used in future to balance priorities such as food security, renewable energy, housing and nature restoration. However, Devon CPRE says the proposals risk taking significant amounts of farmland out of production.

Steve Crowther, chairman of Devon CPRE, said the plans “confirm long-held concerns” among farming communities.

He claims around 10% of England’s land could be reassigned, including 1% for solar and wind energy and a further 9% for environmental schemes such as rewilding and habitat creation. In addition, land is expected to be allocated for housing development.

Mr Crowther questioned the Government’s assurance that enough farmland would remain to maintain current levels of domestic food production, pointing out that the UK is only around 58% self-sufficient in food.

“With a growing population and increasing global uncertainty, maintaining current levels is not enough,” he said. “We need to prioritise homegrown food production, especially in areas like Devon, which has some of the best land for livestock farming anywhere in the world.”

He also raised concerns about the expansion of large-scale solar developments on agricultural land, arguing that financial incentives are encouraging developers to prioritise energy projects over food production.

“All of our solar energy needs could be met through rooftop installations and the use of brownfield land,” he said. “But as long as it is more profitable to build on farmland, that is where developers will go.”

The charity has also warned of potential impacts on tourism, one of Devon’s key economic sectors, which depends heavily on the county’s rural scenery.

Alongside its response to the framework, Devon CPRE has launched a new campaign titled “This Is Our Green Land – Mega Solar and Mega Batteries, KEEP OFF!”, aimed at mobilising local opposition to large-scale energy developments.

The campaign focuses on a growing cluster of solar and battery projects near the Alverdiscott grid connection point in North Devon. Six schemes have already been approved in the area, covering more than 400 acres, including one of the largest solar farms in the county at Litchardon Cross.

Two further proposals - at Bulworthy Farm and West Webbery Farm - could increase the total area to around 725 acres within an 11-square-mile zone.

Devon CPRE argues that while each application is considered individually, the cumulative impact is significant.

The campaign includes a public petition and is intended to demonstrate to both local and national politicians that residents want to protect Devon’s farmland and landscapes from what the group describes as large-scale industrial development.

DEFRA says the Land Use Framework is designed to ensure England can meet long-term challenges while balancing environmental and economic needs.

Consultation and local planning decisions will continue to play a role in how the framework is implemented.

( Images supplied by if-Media 📸 )

Devon County Council has approved an extra £3 million to help repair potholes and deal with damage caused by a winter of severe weather across the county.

The funding was agreed by the authority’s Cabinet and will be used for highways reactive maintenance during the current financial year, as pressure on road repairs continues to grow.

Council figures show that pothole reports have surged following recent storms and prolonged winter conditions. In February 2026 alone, around 9,700 potholes were reported, representing a 90 per cent increase compared with the same month last year.

The council says the additional money will help crews respond more quickly to road damage, including potholes, winter-related deterioration and the effects of recent storms.

Recent weather events – including storms Goretti, Ingrid and Chandra – have placed additional strain on Devon’s vast road network, with repair teams also carrying out emergency work in coastal communities.

That has included work to protect properties along the South Hams coastline at Slapton, Torcross and Beesands, where storm conditions have caused significant damage.

The new funding is intended to cover the increased demand for pothole repairs, winter gritting and storm recovery work across the county.

Devon maintains one of the largest highway networks of any local authority in England, looking after around 8,000 miles of roads. Rural lanes, coastal routes and exposed areas can be particularly vulnerable to harsh weather conditions.

Councillor James Buczkowski, Devon County Council’s Cabinet Member responsible for finance, said the scale of the network meant winter weather inevitably had a significant impact.

He said: “Devon has one of the largest road networks in the country, and periods of severe winter weather inevitably take their toll. The additional £3 million agreed today will help address the pressures created by storms and winter conditions across the network.

“It also sits alongside the significant increase in highways funding we have already agreed for next year, including over £36 million for highways maintenance and more than £100 million for preventative maintenance on our roads.

“Maintaining Devon’s roads is essential for residents, businesses and rural communities who rely on them every day. This additional funding will help us respond to the pressures of winter while continuing to increase investment in the years ahead.”

The extra £3 million comes alongside broader investment plans for the county’s roads. As part of the council’s 2026–27 budget, councillors have already committed to more than £36 million for highways maintenance – an increase of £6 million compared with the previous year.

In addition, the authority plans to spend over £100 million on capital investment for preventative maintenance, aimed at improving road surfaces and reducing the likelihood of potholes forming in the future.

The council says the combined funding will support both urgent repairs and longer-term improvements to Devon’s extensive road network.

( Photo: Pixabay Library 📸 )

Education unions representing headteachers, teachers and support staff across Devon have called a public meeting to highlight what they describe as a long-standing and unfair funding system which they say leaves the county’s children “worth less” than pupils in other parts of England.

The meeting will take place at 5.30pm on Thursday 12th March at Exeter Library on Castle Street. It is being organised jointly by NAHT, NASUWT, NEU, GMB and UNISON.

Devon is a member of the f40 group, a coalition of the 40 lowest-funded local authorities in England. Union leaders argue that national funding formulas have historically disadvantaged large rural counties such as Devon, where factors including sparsity, transport costs and levels of deprivation are not fully reflected in allocations. As a result, they say, Devon remains consistently below the national average for per-pupil funding.

According to the unions, this longstanding underfunding is now being compounded by rising pressures in special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), recruitment challenges and increasing expectations on schools, creating what they describe as unsustainable strain.

The meeting follows a recent decision by Devon County Council to seek approval from the Department for Education (DfE) to transfer 0.5 per cent of funding from the Schools Block to the High Needs Block for 2026/27.

Members of the Schools’ Forum voted not to approve the transfer. However, the council subsequently applied to the DfE to overturn that decision, and approval was granted.

This comes despite the DfE’s plans to write off 90 per cent of SEND debt from council balance sheets, provided it approves a local SEND reform plan. The unions argue that the transfer represents a false trade off linked to a ‘Safety Valve’ agreement between the council and the DfE. Under such agreements, the DfE supports local authorities that have exceeded their high-needs budgets on condition that measures are taken to prevent further deficits. The national Safety Valve programme has recently been announced as ending.

Steve Hitchcock, speaking on behalf of the unions and president of NAHT’s Devon branch, said: “Schools were clear in voting this down. To then apply to overturn that decision has caused real anger across the profession. Schools are already stretched to the limit. Taking more from classroom budgets to plug historic deficits is not a sustainable solution.”

He added: “Many people in Devon simply don’t realise that our pupils attract less funding than children in better-funded parts of the country. This amounts to many tens of thousands of pounds for each school. Devon’s children are not worth less – but the system treats them as if they are. The public deserves to understand what this means for staffing, provision and outcomes.”

Union representatives warn that continued financial pressure could lead to restructuring, job losses, reduced SEND capacity and increased stress across the school workforce, ultimately affecting children and families.

At the public meeting, organisers say they will explain why Devon receives lower funding, outline what the 0.5 per cent transfer could mean for school budgets, set out their wider campaign for fair funding, and give parents, staff and residents the opportunity to ask questions.

The unions say they remain willing to work constructively with Devon County Council and central government, but believe greater transparency and public engagement are now essential.

All members of the public are welcome to attend.

( Photos: Unsplash 📸 )

During the first week of December in 1858, the body of a six-year-old girl was recovered from the 300-foot shaft of the abandoned Wheal Eliza Mine near Simonsbath.

It brought to an end a long, painstaking search for the girl and crystalised one of Exmoor’s most tragic murder cases.

Anna Maria Burgess had been murdered by her father, William Burgess, who admitted to killing her in order to save money on her upbringing and instead spend it on alcohol.

He was convicted and sentenced on 20th December 1858 and hanged on 7th January 1859.

Anna was buried in an unmarked grave at St Luke’s Church in Simonsbath.

A few elements of the story are disputed, but below is the gist of it based on various sources.

Burgess, a labourer, lived locally with his wife and three children, Tom, Emma and Anna.

His alcoholism, and his devious attempts to fuel it, would come to dominate his life.

After spending all his money on alcohol during a secret trip to Wales, he managed to hoodwink local vicar William Thornton into believing he had legitimately fallen on hard times.

The vicar wrote a begging letter for him, which Burgess used to dupe people into giving him money so he could buy more alcohol.

His wife became exasperated by his behaviour and died in 1857 or 1858, apparently of measles.

Burgess was determined to find new homes for the three children and when one couple from near Withypool refused to take in Anna, their house mysteriously burnt down shortly afterwards.

Three people were killed, including the couple’s father.

While Tom and Emma were placed into service on local farms, Burgess found lodgings for him and Anna at the Gallon House Inn, between Simonsbath and Exford.

He was irked by having to pay 2s 6d a week for Anna’s maintenance - money he felt would be better spent on alcohol.

On 24th July, he told his landlady he was going to take Anna to stay with relatives in Porlock.

In the early hours of the following day, he woke the girl and left the house with her, but he didn’t take her to Porlock.

He returned to the house, told people he was moving to Porlock and vanished.

Later, the ashes of a fire were discovered near the house and, within them, the landlady recognised remnants of Anna’s clothing, prompting fears she had been murdered by her father.

The priest rode 40 miles to Curry Rivel to inform the chief police officer and they returned to Simonsbath to reports of the discovery of a shallow grave.

An unpleasant stench was detected, but no body was found.

Burgess, meanwhile, had fled to South Wales by boat but was tracked down working at Swansea Docks and brought home.

He was arrested but refused to speak, and police warned locals he would have to be released if no proof could be found of Anna’s death.

A witness came forward to say he thought he noticed activity near Wheal Eliza Mine around the time of Anna’s disappearance, prompting the vicar to tell magistrates in Dulverton he was sure they would find the body dumped there.

The mine had been filled with water over 200ft deep and after it took a considerable time to pump it out, a volunteer agreed to be lowered into the shaft on 2nd December.

He resurfaced holding a package bound with rope, which when cut revealed the remains of a child’s body.

There was little surprise when it was identified as Anna, although the body was too badly decomposed to prove how she had died.

A head injury was detected, but this wasn’t considered to be the cause of death.

Anna’s body had been wrapped in an old coat belonging to Burgess.

Burgess confessed to murdering Anna and digging a grave on 25th July - the day he left the Gallon House Inn in the early hours.

It’s believed he threw the body into the mine two or three days later.

He had apparently become concerned that the grave would be discovered, having overheard two men discussing evidence of a hole being dug.

As Burgess awaited trial, he attempted to commit suicide by cutting his throat with a pair of scissors at Dulverton Police Station.

At trial, he was found guilty and sentenced to death.

It’s understood he told the vicar: “I murdered my child for the purpose of saving 2s 6d per week, that I might be enabled thereby to indulge myself in more drink, and to indulge in drunkenness.

“I committed the awful deed.”

While awaiting his death, Burgess admitted setting fire to the couple’s house near Withypool as revenge for refusing to take in Anna.

He was hanged for his crimes by William Calcraft in Taunton, just after 9.00am on 7th January.

I visited Wheal Eliza Mine on a cold, frosty morning last week during an 11-mile circular walk from Simonsbath to Cow Castle and Pickedstones.

Yesterday, amid heavy rain, I visited St Luke’s Church and, briefly, the site of the Gallon House Inn.

Wheal Eliza was an unsuccessful copper and iron mine that was active between 1845 and 1857.

Located on the banks of the River Barle around a mile to the south of Simonsbath, the mine was abandoned and allowed to flood in 1858.

For many years, few people had known about Anna’s grave at the church and it could only be identified by a blank piece of slate.

After learning about the history of it, the Exmoor Society agreed to fund a more fitting headstone, which was installed in 2000 in the top left corner of the graveyard.

The Gallon House Inn has since been known as Red Deer Farm and Red Deer Nursery School.

It appears as Gallon House on OS maps and can be found next to the B3223 main road between Simonsbath and Exford.

For lots more photos, videos and stories from Exmoor and elsewhere, feel free to follow the Facebook page Discovering Devon, Somerset and beyond. See link below -

https://www.facebook.com/discoveringdevonsomersetandbeyond

( Photos: Flickr / Wikipedia / Public Domain 📸 )

The Diocese of Plymouth has welcomed its new bishop after the installation of the Right Reverend Nicholas Hudson at a ceremony attended by clergy and parishioners from across Devon, Cornwall and Dorset.

The Installation Mass took place at the Cathedral Church of St Mary and St Boniface on the patronal feast day of St Cuthbert Mayne, marking the formal beginning of Bishop Hudson’s leadership of a diocese serving around 11,293 Catholics across 57 parishes and 37 schools.

Senior Catholic leaders were present, including Archbishop Miguel Maury Buendía, Apostolic Nuncio to Great Britain, Cardinal Vincent Nichols, and the Most Reverend John Wilson, Metropolitan Archbishop of Southwark, alongside bishops from England and Wales.

Bishop Hudson, who was ordained a priest for the Archdiocese of Southwark in 1986, has served as an Auxiliary Bishop of Westminster and Titular Bishop of St Germans in Cornwall since 2014. His appointment ends a lengthy period in which Plymouth has been without a bishop following the elevation of Rt Rev Mark O’Toole to Archbishop of Cardiff-Menevia in 2022. Two previously announced successors, Canon Christopher Whitehead and Bishop Philip Moger, had their installations suspended in 2023 and June 2025.

Speaking ahead of his installation, Bishop Hudson said: “I am deeply grateful to Pope Leo XIV for appointing me; and I do not take lightly the trust he has placed in me... I look forward greatly to meeting all who belong to the diocese.”

Pope Leo XIV, in the Bull of Appointment read during the service, affirmed his confidence in Hudson’s leadership, writing: “We thought of you, having carefully considered your pastoral achievements in the duties you have undertaken in the Archdiocese of Westminster, together with your spiritual and human gifts and your expertise in administration, which make you suitable for advancement to this greater office.”

In his homily, Bishop Hudson spoke of the encouraging signs of “a quiet revival” across the region, but also identified a central challenge facing the Church.

He said communities needed to help “new and returning Catholics to really find their place in their Church” while also striving “to draw many more people - both young and old - to Christ and the life of the sacraments”.

He emphasised the importance of deepening the Church’s openness to the Holy Spirit and attentiveness to all parts of the diocesan community.

“We need to deepen the quality of our listening to the Spirit, to one another, and to our context; our listening to every generation in the Church - but with a special attentiveness to the young, to the poor, to the marginalised, to those who stand on the outside looking in,” he said.

Bishop Hudson now begins his ministry in one of England’s most geographically wide dioceses, covering coastal communities, rural parishes and expanding urban areas.

( Photo: The Catholic Directory 📸 )

Devon has recorded a four per cent drop in carbon emissions over the past year, according to new data published by the Devon Climate Emergency (DCE) partnership.

The figures show that emissions across Devon, Plymouth and Torbay have fallen by 29 per cent since 2010, with the latest reductions driven largely by improvements in transport and the built environment. Transport emissions fell by one per cent between 2022 and 2023, while emissions from buildings dropped by eight per cent as more households and businesses made the switch to renewable energy.

Claire Pearce, chair of the Devon Climate Taskforce, welcomed the progress. She said: “The four per cent reduction in Devon’s carbon footprint between 2022 and 2023 is an encouraging step forward and a testament to the collective efforts across the county.

“The establishment of clear priorities for action this year is a welcome recognition of the need to stay in Devon’s carbon budget, and that to do so, the pace of change still needs to accelerate.

“The Devon Carbon Plan provides a clear roadmap for action, and we now have an opportunity to build on this momentum.

“By continuing to prioritise sustainable transport, renewable energy, home retrofit and community-led climate solutions, we can drive deeper emissions cuts and ensure Devon remains a leader in tackling the climate emergency.”

The data reflects the impact of local measures already in place, including the reopening of the Dartmoor Line between Exeter and Okehampton and the introduction of the Energy Saving Devon advice phone line. Further initiatives, such as the planned rollout of zero-emission buses, are expected to contribute to future reductions.

Despite exceeding its carbon budget by nine per cent between 2018 and 2022, Devon’s long-term trend remains positive, with new priorities set by the DCE to accelerate emissions cuts. These include additional support for home retrofits, promoting electric vehicle uptake and ensuring planning policies favour renewable energy projects.

Councillor Jacqi Hodgson, cabinet member for climate change, biodiversity and transport at Devon County Council, said: “Devon County Council is proud to host the secretariat of the Devon Climate Emergency partnership, working alongside Devon’s other local authorities and organisations to drive down emissions and build a more sustainable future.

“This latest reduction in Devon’s carbon footprint is a clear sign that change is happening - but we know we must go further and faster.

“As a council, we are embedding climate action into our own operations, supporting communities to make low-carbon choices, and enabling the infrastructure needed for a net-zero Devon.

“Together, through collaboration and ambition, we can meet the goals of the Devon Carbon Plan - indeed we must, to ensure a thriving, climate-resilient county for generations to come.”

The DCE says it remains committed to supporting local action and innovation as the county works towards cutting emissions in half by 2030 and achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.

( Photos: Gail Sheppard 📸 )

A team of volunteer medics from BASICS Devon has received the King’s Award for Voluntary Service – the highest accolade a local voluntary group can earn in the UK, and one regarded as the equivalent of an MBE.

The award recognises the charity’s exceptional 33 years of life-saving service to communities across Devon. BASICS Devon’s highly trained volunteer doctors respond to some of the county’s most serious medical emergencies, supporting the South Western Ambulance Service around the clock, every day of the year.

Chair of BASICS Devon, Robert Horton, said the award was a fitting tribute to the dedication and professionalism of the charity’s volunteers.

“This recognition is a tremendous tribute to our dedicated team of volunteers who give their time and expertise to support patients and emergency services across Devon, often in the most challenging circumstances,” he said.

“Every call-out represents a moment when someone in our community is facing their worst day, and our volunteers step forward, day and night, to bring emergency care to the scene.

“This award reflects not only their professionalism and selflessness, but also the invaluable support we receive from our families, partners in the emergency services, and our supporters and donors across Devon. Every penny raised goes towards our delivery of voluntary service.

“On behalf of the Trustees, I want to thank everyone who plays a part in making our work possible.”

The team’s impact has been remarkable. So far this year, BASICS Devon has responded to 321 emergencies, covering over 4,500 miles across the county – from road traffic collisions on rural lanes to cardiac arrests in remote villages. The charity’s clinicians were first on scene in 40 per cent of incidents, bringing advanced emergency care directly to those in need.

Their call-outs have included 94 road traffic collisions, 68 cardiac arrests, 10 psychiatric crises, seven obstetric emergencies, and six stabbings or shootings, as well as 136 other urgent medical and trauma cases.

Operating entirely through public donations and local fundraising, BASICS Devon receives no government funding. Representatives will soon receive their award crystal and certificate from David Fursdon, Lord-Lieutenant of Devon, and two volunteers will attend a Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace in 2026.

Founded in 1992, the charity’s mission goes beyond frontline emergency care. BASICS Devon also provides vital life-saving education and training to help communities across the county respond effectively in critical moments.

To support their work, the charity is taking part in the Big Give Christmas Challenge from 2nd to 9th December, when all donations will be doubled thanks to pledgers and the Reed Foundation. Funds raised will help keep their emergency responders on the road and equipped to reach even the most isolated communities.

“We’re proud to serve Devon,” said Mr Horton. “This award belongs to every volunteer, every supporter, and every person who believes in helping others when they need it most.”

To donate or learn more about BASICS Devon’s work, visit www.basics-devon.org.uk or follow @BASICSDevon on social media.

( Photos: BASICS Devon 📸 )

Residents across East Devon - particularly in areas around Exeter, Honiton and Axminster - are being advised to prepare for a shift towards colder and more settled weather as November progresses.

While early forecasts suggested snow could reach parts of the South West later this month, the latest outlook indicates that East Devon is more likely to experience chilly, drier days and cold, foggy nights.

The Met Office’s long-range forecast states: “This means further showery outbreaks of rain at times, though it is likely that western areas will be wettest at first. There could also be some overnight fog, which could be slow to clear through the day.

“A transition to a less unsettled weather pattern becomes increasingly probable from around the 11th or 12th of the month, making drier weather increasingly common, with winds turning south easterly or easterly.

“Any rain or showers is more likely to be focused towards the east. Temperatures most likely to be around average through the period, particularly at first, and probably overall.”

This forecast suggests that while East Devon may still see scattered showers in the coming days, conditions should become calmer and colder towards mid-month.

Night-time temperatures are expected to dip into low single figures, with an increased likelihood of early frost, especially in rural areas and higher ground around the Haldon Hills and Axe Valley.

Although no severe weather warnings are currently in place, Devon County Council has confirmed that gritting teams are ready to treat key routes, including the A35 and A3052, if temperatures fall below freezing.

Farmers and rural residents are being reminded to check heating systems, protect outdoor taps and livestock, and take care on untreated roads during early morning hours when frost and fog are most likely.

The expected turn towards cooler, clearer weather marks a typical seasonal change for East Devon, signalling that winter’s first chill may soon be felt across the region.

( Photo: Pixabay Library 📸 )

Devon’s district councils have joined forces to propose a major reorganisation of local government in response to the Government’s call to simplify the current two-tier system.

At present, Devon operates under a structure consisting of a county council and several district councils. The proposed “4-5-1” model would replace this with two new unitary authorities, while Plymouth would continue as a standalone unitary council.

In a joint statement, district council leaders said: “We are committed to creating councils that are built around people and place, reflecting the unique geography, economy and identity of Devon and giving its residents services they can be proud of for generations to come.

Our proposal aims to create a more effective and financially sustainable local government for Devon by aligning council boundaries with real communities and local economies.”

Under the plans, the western unitary authority would include West Devon, Teignbridge, South Hams and Torbay, while the northern unitary would bring together North Devon, Torridge, Mid Devon, East Devon and Exeter.

The councils say the new structure would deliver more integrated public services, improve financial efficiency, and ensure decisions are made closer to residents. Community hubs would be introduced to maintain local access to services, with stronger links to town and parish councils to support local involvement.

The proposal follows an evidence-based evaluation process, which included stakeholder engagement and independent financial modelling. A total of 5,948 responses were received during public consultation, with widespread participation from residents and businesses across the county.

Council leaders say the feedback received has helped shape the final proposals and ensure they reflect local needs and priorities.

The full case for change is due to be submitted to the Government by Friday, 28th November 2025. Further engagement sessions with stakeholders will be held before the final submission.

( Photo: Pixabay Library 📸 )

Dyslexia Awareness Week is under way across the UK, running from Monday 6th October. Led by the British Dyslexia Association (BDA), this year’s campaign carries the theme “Raise the Volume” and focuses on amplifying the voices of young people with dyslexia. The week features a new report, virtual events, and resources for schools and workplaces, alongside collaboration with initiatives such as Jamie Oliver’s Dyslexia Revolution.

Dyslexia is a common specific learning difficulty that primarily affects reading, writing and spelling. It is estimated that up to one in ten people in the UK has some degree of dyslexia. The condition is not linked to intelligence but reflects differences in how the brain recognises and processes language. Many people with dyslexia also demonstrate particular strengths, including creativity, visual thinking and problem-solving skills, alongside challenges with written work.

Signs of dyslexia often appear in childhood, though some people are not diagnosed until later in life. Children may struggle to read or spell common words, confuse the order of letters or numbers, or find it difficult to remember sequences. Adults with dyslexia may read more slowly, find note-taking and organising written work demanding, or rely on alternative strategies to manage text-heavy tasks. Early identification and support can significantly improve outcomes.

There is no cure for dyslexia, but evidence-based teaching methods and practical strategies can help. Specialist teaching using multisensory approaches - combining visual, auditory and kinaesthetic techniques - helps learners connect sounds and symbols more effectively. Technology also plays a key role, with tools such as text-to-speech software, speech recognition, mind-mapping programmes and digital note-taking aids reducing the burden of reading and writing. The BDA provides resources during Awareness Week to help schools and employers implement these approaches.

Under the Equality Act 2010, dyslexia can meet the legal definition of disability when it has a substantial and long-term effect on day-to-day activities. Schools, colleges and employers are therefore required to make reasonable adjustments, which can include extra time in exams, alternative formats for information, assistive technology or changes to workplace processes.

The “Raise the Volume” campaign places young people’s experiences at the heart of the discussion. The BDA’s report, based on the views of hundreds of young people, highlights the challenges they face in education and identifies priorities for change. Through personal stories, virtual events and interactive materials, the campaign aims to show what works and what still needs to improve, helping young people succeed.

Changing public attitudes is central to the campaign. Greater awareness among teachers, employers and families - along with consistent practical support - can help ensure that dyslexia is recognised as a different way of thinking rather than a deficit. For many people, the right combination of early intervention, specialist teaching and everyday adjustments opens up educational and career opportunities that might otherwise be missed.

As Dyslexia Awareness Week continues, the message is both practical and clear: listen to the experiences of those affected, act on what works, and make small but vital changes that allow different ways of thinking to flourish.

( Photos: Pixabay Library 📸 )

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A new campaign has been launched across the South West to tackle money laundering and stop criminals from profiting from serious and organised crime.

Crimestoppers, the independent charity, is urging people to report suspicious activity anonymously as part of its drive to disrupt the flow of “dirty money” through local communities.

Each year, vast sums are generated from drug trafficking, human exploitation, counterfeit goods and other crimes. To spend or invest their profits, criminals must disguise the cash – often by running it through legitimate businesses.

Pubs, fast-food outlets, taxi firms, haulage companies, nail bars and car washes are just some of the cash-heavy businesses that can be exploited. Increasingly, young people are also being targeted, persuaded to use their bank accounts or carry cash abroad in exchange for “easy money”.

Karen MacDonald, South West Regional Manager at Crimestoppers, said, “Criminals promote the myth that reporting crime makes you a ‘grass’. In reality, sharing what you know protects communities from suffering and helps prevent criminals from living off the misery they create.”

MacDonald added, “Many people have suspicions about lavish lifestyles with no employment, or cash-only businesses that seem to thrive despite few customers. If you notice something unusual, please reach out to our charity anonymously – only you will ever know you’ve contacted us.”

Warning signs of money laundering can include:

• Businesses dealing mainly in cash or holding unusually large amounts

• Frequent use of foreign currency or high-value notes

• Sudden or frequent changes in business ownership

• Individuals with unexplained wealth or expensive items but no visible income

• Loan shark activity

• Frequent international travel without clear reason

• Money being moved rapidly between multiple accounts

Crimestoppers says community information is vital in breaking down criminal networks and keeping towns and cities safe.

Reports can be made 100% anonymously online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling the charity’s UK Contact Centre, open 24/7, on 0800 555 111. Calls are never traced, recorded or tracked.

( Photos: Unsplash / Crimestoppers 📸 )

The number of motorists fined in Devon and Cornwall has more than tripled in just five years, new figures reveal.

Analysis of Home Office data by temporary insurance provider Tempcover shows that 174,689 Fixed Penalty Notices (FPNs) were issued in the force area in 2023, compared with 52,152 in 2018 - a rise of 235 per cent.

Speeding was by far the most common offence, with 570,799 fines recorded between 2018 and 2023. Other major offences included driving without insurance (13,570) and careless driving (10,026).

In 2023 alone, more than 9,700 fines - about 5.6 per cent of the total - ended up in court, while just over 18,400 (10.5 per cent) were cancelled.

Across the wider South West, FPNs rose by 58 per cent over the same period. Wiltshire saw the sharpest increase at 371 per cent, followed by Devon and Cornwall, then Gloucestershire (90 per cent). Dorset (25 per cent) and Avon and Somerset (0.1 per cent) recorded smaller rises.

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At one point, Ben Cookson had lost everything. His house, his business, his family – all gone. What followed was a decade-long spiral into addiction that left him homeless on the streets of East Devon. Today, though, the 50-year-old spends his Wednesday evenings in a very different place: leading boxing classes inside St David’s Church, Exeter.

“I basically went on a 10-year bender and just smashed my life to bits and ended up homeless,” he said. “Since the day I came to church, I've never touched drugs or alcohol – that's four years.”

Cookson’s story, which has been reported by the local BBC Devon network, is as much about survival as it is about transformation.

After first walking through the doors of the city-centre church four years ago, born-again Ben began using fitness and boxing to reconnect with himself, his Christian faith and other members of the community.

What started as personal healing has grown into a free weekly programme called Fitter for Faith, open to anyone battling addiction, personal struggles, or simply looking to get healthier.

The classes aren’t just about building stamina. For Cookson, they’re a gateway to deeper conversations.

“People don't openly want to talk to a random stranger about their trauma, or the shame or guilt they might carry,” he explained. “What the boxing does is it that it builds a relationship, and then when I share some of my experience with people they really open up.”

Cookson has been running the church sessions for two years now, using his past not as a burden but as a bridge.

His philosophy is simple: faith, fitness, and fellowship can go hand in hand.

Reverend Mike Clark (pictured with Cookson), vicar at St David’s, believes the unconventional mix of boxing and church community has been a blessing.

“I just think it's amazing what Ben is doing bringing in such a variety of people,” he said. “Boxing is not something I'd have ever thought about doing in a church but I can see how it enables him to connect with people.”

The sessions, Clark added, are open to everyone without expectation or pressure – a safe space for people to explore both health and, if they wish, faith.

The impact of Fitter for Faith goes beyond those recovering from addiction. For 74-year-old Moira Dale, the classes are a vital part of her week.

“It's teaching them discipline, control, and everything else like that. It's just the best thing,” she said. “If it's doing that for me, what is it doing for these other young people.”

Her words reflect what many at the church have seen: boxing isn’t just exercise, it’s a tool for growth – mental, physical, and spiritual.

Looking back, Cookson knows how close he came to losing it all for good. “The recession came… I lost my house, my business, my family and in my mid-30s, I turned to cocaine for the first time,” he recalled.

That choice nearly destroyed him. Addiction is a powerful and unrelenting foe.

Now, with gloves strapped on and pads in hand, Ben Cookson is building something new – for himself and for others.

And in the quiet nave of a Devon church, the sound of punches hitting leather has become a soundtrack of hope.

( Photos: Ben Cookson / Diocese of Exeter 📸 )

Tonnes of rock have crashed from the cliffs at Golden Cap near Lyme Regis, prompting safety warnings from the Coastguard.

The dramatic fall was captured on camera by local resident and fossil hunter Chris Gasson, who said the ground shook as the cliff gave way around 300 metres from where he was standing.

“The whole ground was shaking as tonnes came down 300 metres from me. It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience which was fantastic to see in its own way,” he said. “I would encourage people to stay well away from the cliff as more is likely to fall in the coming days.”

Pictures show rock tumbling down the face of the cliff, and a huge cloud of dust sweeping across the beach below.

Emergency teams from Lyme Regis and West Bay Coastguard, along with the RNLI’s inshore lifeboat, were called to the scene shortly before 1.00pm on Thursday, 22nd August. A spokesperson for the Maritime and Coastguard Agency confirmed that no one was hurt.

They added, “Cliffs can be more unstable than they look, and cliff falls or landslides happen without warning.”

Walkers and beachgoers are being urged to stay away from the cliff edge and to follow safety advice, including sticking to marked paths, avoiding the base of cliffs, and never attempting to climb them.

The incident follows recent warnings about unstable cliffs at Seatown Beach and West Bay, where rockfalls are a regular occurrence.

Golden Cap, the highest point on the south coast, is a popular destination for walkers and fossil hunters, but experts say the dramatic landscape can change without notice.

( Photos: Chris Gasson 📸 )

Richard Foord, MP for Honiton and Sidmouth, is calling for one of East Devon’s five community hospitals to be repurposed as a neighbourhood health centre, to better support the area’s ageing population.

In a letter to Steve Moore, chief executive of NHS Devon, Mr Foord emphasised the need for targeted investment in local healthcare, particularly in Sidmouth and Seaton, where a significant proportion of residents are elderly or disabled.

Citing the 2021 Census, Mr Foord noted that around a quarter of residents in both towns have a disability, and approximately 10% provide unpaid care for a friend or relative. He also pointed out that average ages in the area have risen faster than both the national and regional averages.

“This means that there are five hospitals in my constituency with the potential for essential investment in local health services, amid a rapidly expanding older population,” Mr Foord wrote. “Sidmouth and Seaton are home to a demographic largely over the age of 65, who are not necessarily comfortable with NHS England’s increasing use of AI and technology.”

The hospitals identified include Honiton, Sidmouth, Axminster, and Seaton - all of which have some available space - while Ottery St Mary Hospital is reportedly at full capacity. Mr Foord commended the condition of the Seaton, Honiton and Ottery St Mary facilities, which are relatively modern, and confirmed that Axminster Hospital, though older, remains in good repair.

The MP has previously raised the issue with the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, and has submitted further questions in Parliament.

( Photo: LibDems 📸 )

Police in Devon and Cornwall have carried out a targeted operation to tackle uninsured driving, coinciding with one of the busiest travel days of the year in the South West.

The one-day crackdown, conducted in partnership with the Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB), led to the seizure of four vehicles for being uninsured or inadequately covered. Seven additional drivers received fixed penalty notices for not having insurance, and a range of other offences were identified -including drug driving, no MOT, disqualified driving, and even an unrestrained child passenger.

The initiative was part of ongoing efforts to remove dangerous and illegal drivers from the roads and to make the region safer for residents and holidaymakers alike.

Uninsured driving is a growing issue across the UK, with one person falling victim to an uninsured or hit-and-run driver every 20 minutes. According to Devon and Cornwall Police, at least one of these victims each day suffers injuries so severe they require lifelong care.

Sgt James Gallienne, who led the operation, explained: “At least one person, every day is so seriously injured by an uninsured or hit and run driver they require lifelong care. Operations like this aim to educate about and enforce the law in order to reduce the number of uninsured drivers on the road and reduce collisions. Devon and Cornwall remain safe places to live and visit and we will continue to be proactive in keeping our road network safe."

Uninsured drivers are not only a risk to road safety - they are frequently connected to wider criminal behaviour. Police have previously linked uninsured vehicles with drug or drink driving, excessive speeding, and organised crime networks.

Martin Saunders, head of uninsured driving prevention at MIB, urged all drivers to ensure their cover is up to date, particularly during the busy summer travel season. “Uninsured driving is a problem every day of the year. However, during this busy period of holidaying within the UK, we recommend that all motorists check they have adequate cover in place and that all details on their policy are as expected.”

With a rise in domestic tourism across the South West, police say they will continue to carry out high-visibility patrols and spot checks to clamp down on illegal driving and make the roads safer for everyone.

( Picture: Pixabay Library 📸 )

Emergency services rushed to Budleigh Beach in East Devon over the weekend following a dramatic cliff collapse that left beachgoers stranded and triggered a full-scale rescue operation.

The incident, which occurred on Saturday afternoon (27th July) just west of Steamer Steps, involved a significant section of cliff breaking away and crashing down onto the pebble beach below. Dust and debris filled the air as large rocks fell, forcing immediate action from rescue teams and prompting authorities to close parts of the coastal path.

Rescue teams from Beer, Exmouth, and Dawlish Coastguard, alongside Sidmouth Independent Lifeboat and Devon and Cornwall Police, were deployed in a coordinated response to the emergency. A Coastguard drone and additional search crews scoured the area amid initial fears that someone may have been trapped beneath the rubble.

Fortunately, no injuries were reported. However, two people were found stranded on the wrong side of the collapse and were safely transported back to Budleigh Beach by lifeboat.

Sidmouth Independent Lifeboat, which led the water-based rescue, stated: “Our primary objective was to search for anyone caught in the fall zone and to assist Coastguard teams already on scene. Upon arrival, our crew discovered several people stranded. Two were safely transferred back. Thanks to all volunteers and agencies involved for their swift response and teamwork.”

Local authorities acted swiftly to cordon off the affected area. Devon County Council has since closed sections of the South West Coast Path surrounding the collapse, warning the public not to ignore the closures or attempt to bypass them. The beach and cliffs in the area remain unstable, prompting continued safety warnings.

Exmouth Coastguard reinforced the message: “Please avoid the area and don’t attempt to circumvent the closures. These cliffs are unstable, and rockfalls can happen without warning.”

The event serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of cliff terrain along the Jurassic Coast, a World Heritage Site that draws thousands of visitors annually. With increased foot traffic during the summer holidays, authorities are urging visitors to take cliffside warnings seriously.

As of Monday morning, taped-off sections remain in place and monitoring of the cliff face continues.

Residents and tourists alike are advised to heed all posted warnings and updates from local authorities to avoid further danger.

( Photo: Unsplash 📸 )