A DRUNKEN reveller who smashed a glass into a man's face in a bar has been jailed.

Charles Fox, 24, from Kinnerton Court in Exwick, Exeter, lashed out in 'a moment of madness', a court heard.

Fox admitted wounding Christopher Lowton with intent in the incident in a pub in Newquay in February last year.

Fox was sentenced at Exeter Crown Court to three-and-a-half years by Recorder Nigel Pascoe QC.

The court heard the victim needed nine stitches in facial cuts but has suffered permanent damage to one of his eyes which has affected his vision.

Mr Lowton made a statement saying he wanted Fox to apologise for what he had done and explain his actions.

The court heard an argument had broken out between Fox's group of friends and Mr Lowton's friend over a girl. It was defused but without warning Fox thrust the glass he had been drinking out of, into the victim's face.

Rupert Taylor, defending, said Fox had no reason to act in the way he did and said his lashing out with the glass was a 'drunken error'.

The incident was caught on CCTV and Mr Taylor said it was 'a moment of madness that Fox deeply regrets'.

The judge agreed it was a moment of madness with serious consequences.

He said he accepted Fox's remorse and said it was an 'impulsive act' which had left the victim with serious injuries.

He did not make any order for costs or compensation.

THE residential property team at Stags in Southernhay has recently expanded to be able to cope with the increased level of business that has been seen in recent months.

Simon Cooper, managing partner of the Exeter office, has welcomed on board two quality graduates, bringing the total number of permanent staff in the residential team to eight, ably assisted by a further five part-time viewing staff.

Steph Wade and Tom Smalley will work in the company's Southernhay offices, and have already proven to be excellent additions to the department, particularly concentrating on client care and liaising with applicants to generate more sales for Stags' clients.

Steph has just completed her degree at Cirecencester in property agency and marketing, while Tom has been working in the Stags Barnstaple office, following his degree at Swansea.

With turnover in the Exeter residential property department up by more than 50 per cent so far this year, investment in further quality staff is part of the Stags ethos, so as to professionally deal with their sellers and buyers alike.

PROPERTY developer Devonshire Homes has confirmed three new homes have already been reserved in the first phase of the residential development Gilbert Scott Way in Tiverton, on the site of the former Belmont Hospital.

Jane Pearce, Devonshire Homes sales manager, said: "Following the release of the first of our open market homes, we have received reservations for two apartments and a two-bedroom house. Considering these properties have only just launched on the market we are delighted with the response."

The new homes comprise the first phase of the development that will see 18 homes, as well as 12 affordable homes for Devon and Cornwall Housing Association that are due to be handed over this summer.

The development received a boost last year when it received Government funding support through the Get Britain Building scheme.

Prior to this the development had remained dormant due to the flat economy, but with the funding support in place, Devonshire Homes revisited the initial plans and together with Mid Devon District Council amended the scheme to reflect today's housing needs.

Steve Russell, land and planning director for Devonshire Homes, said: "The focus of the development is now on family-oriented homes.

"We have recently released onto the market a series of two, three and four-bedroom houses as well as a small number of two-bedroom apartments.

"The response shows the residential mix is right for this development. Shortly we will be submitting our planning application for phases two and three of the development that were shared with the public last summer."

The next stages refer to the conversion of the existing Belmont building and the derelict Twyford building as well as the inclusion of land previously occupied by the Melrose Clinic.

A FATHER has spoken about the horror of waking up to discover a fire which gutted his family home.

Two children were saved from the blaze which destroyed a house near Exeter by a smoke alarm.

Four children, aged 10, six, four and nine, and one adult, were in the house in Bradninch when the fire started at 2.45am on Tuesday.

The 39-year-old father of the four children, who asked not to be named, said he was awoken at 1.30am by rain. He drifted back to sleep but then heard the sound of the smoke alarm.

He said: "I went downstairs to investigate and opening the kitchen door I could see flames shooting up from the cooker hood. The flames went up to the ceiling. I rushed back upstairs to get the children out.

"I told them to grab something to put on and the two eldest made their way out the front.

"I took my four-year-old and six-year-old by the hand but on the way downstairs I got separated from my six-year-old daughter.

"I put the four-year-old out in the garden and rushed back and picked up my six-year-old and carried her out. That's when I called 999."

He added: "I looked back and there was a huge orange glow coming from the house.

"I have to say it was the smoke alarm that saved everybody, I am absolutely certain of it. I just feel numb." The Fire and Emergency Service Support vehicle and ambulance were called to the scene.

The fire was extinguished after four hours. It is believed to have started in the kitchen of the property.

The man's wife said: "I am absolutely devastated."

The family has lived in the modern end of terrace house for seven years.

Station Manager Deasy said: "This was a severe fire with temperatures rising to in excess of 1,000 degrees Celsius.

"I would like to congratulate the family for doing exactly the right thing when the fire occurred and having the early warning in place to alert them to the fire.

"At this time of night, and due to the severity of the fire, this incident could have had more severe consequences.

"I would also like to thank their neighbours for rallying around them and giving them support and the fire crews for working tirelessly to extinguish the fire."

Mr Deasy added that having buildings and contents insurance is also important to help rebuild your life and property if a serious fire occurs.

Fire officer Mal Swallow said the fire was not suspicious.

He said: "This fire shows that smoke alarms save lives."

COLOUR'S cool for homes right now, and stamping your style on rooms with bright shades is an easy way to welcome summer.

"Bold is back! Colour accents should be surprising and tantalising this year," says Nicky Pysden at DecorateNow, specialists in paint, wallpaper and decorating accessories.

"Use colour where you least expect it, to accentuate and highlight features in a room. This trend plays with shapes, light and shadow to create an interesting mix of shades.

"Colour's coming from everywhere as the nation gets bold with teal, yellow, lime green and rosebud pink."

If you're used to a more neutral world and it all feels a bit scary, dip your toe into vivid decor by experimenting with what interior designers call 'pops' of colour.

That means picking shades you like. For inspiration, look at the clothes in your wardrobe as they're likely to feature shades you're naturally most attracted to and decorating with them, or featuring them in accessories.

First check out your chosen colours on a paint chart. If you're unsure, buy a sample pot, paint a piece of A4 paper and stick it on a wall to see that you're comfortable with it over time and in different lights.

Think outside the box when it comes to decorating – you don't have to opt for the inevitable 'feature' wall.

"Take inspiration from the catwalk. Colour-blocking is as big in fashion as it is in the home this year," says Pysden. "If you opt for a limited palette, make sure at least one of those colours is turquoise, to add an air of electricity."

Painting skirtings and doors in a new punchy shade, or even painting a ceiling (in a room with high ceilings this will make it feel lower and the room cosier), can be just as effective.

Alternatively, give a piece of furniture, mirror or picture frames a fast colour hit by spray-painting them.

If you're really colour cautious, simply invest in a few new accessories. But be warned – the future's orange, blue, green, pink and a whole host of other zingy shades besides, so ensure your home's on-trend.

Follow the experts' advice to affordable ways to use colour with confidence without turning your bank balance red.

Orange aid

Orange is a cheery colour and keys in well to a modern interior, or one focusing on turn-back-the-clock retro style.

Interior designer Abigail Ahern highlights burnt orange as her favourite shade.

"This season, stronger colours are taking centre stage and burnt orange is the star. One of the reasons I'm so obsessed with this hue is that it works in any interior, and works whether you hanker after a modern or a more bohemian interior," she says.

"Also, this is a warm colour, which is welcoming and signifies tranquility. It will transition well into autumn as it's synonymous with the latter half of the year. Use for upholstery, accessories or on a feature wall – it's rich, elegant and adds that all-important 'pop' of colour."

Punchy pink

Homes should be filled with colour, says Charlotte Hedeman Gueniau, author of Happy Home: Everyday Magic For A Colorful Life (Jacqui Small, £25), which is an inspiring guide to experimenting with colour and pattern.

"There's usually some shade of pink involved in my top five colours. Sometimes a soft, romantic shade and at the moment a more hysterical, energetic fluorescent tone of neon," she says.

"Coloured walls are one of my darlings. Just one wall can really make a huge difference in a room. I always say, 'Just do it' – don't take it too seriously, because, with another tin of paint, you can change it quickly if you get sick of it all."

Rainbow shades

If you can't choose between your favourite colours, take inspiration from the rainbow and feature a razzle-dazzle mix of shades.

"Be bold, be bright, and don't be afraid of colour because it's essential for a happy home. Add zesty colour in bright textured cushions, and statement pieces of art," says Hedeman Gueniau.

"Don't be afraid to mix colours but very vivid shades can become overwhelming. Stick to one or two bright colours and add to them with softer shades."

Colourful corner

A collection of spray-painted vases, jars or even old milk bottles can bring life to a dull corner.

Dying for colour

Give past-their-sell-by-date curtains and upholstery a new lease of life by dying them. Dylon's shades include some summer-smart colours: Tropical Green, Sunflower Yellow, Bahama Blue, Flamingo Pink and Goldfish Orange.

THIS is one of the most substantial family homes in one of the most desirable and prestigious locations of Exeter.

Accessible to local private schools and within walking distance to facilities in the city, this beautifully-presented seven- bedroom property provides gracious and spacious family living with plenty of adaptable accommodation with space to work from home if required.

There is an abundance of character features adding to the pleasure of living in such a fine home.

Family life is likely to revolve around the 24-foot bespoke kitchen which opens out on to south-facing gardens.

There is also a particularly useable basement formed by a series of rooms which could be adapted further for use as a gym, sauna and games room.

The detached coach house could also be adapted for further uses, subject to any necessary consents.

The house stands in mainly level, mature gardens of about half an acre and enjoys areas of privacy and sunshine.

The property is on the market for a guide price of £1,750,000.

For more details or to arrange a viewing call Michael Shaw at Wilkinson Grant & Company on 01392 427500, or email m.shaw@wilkinsongrant.co.uk

A TURF-cutting ceremony performed by Budleigh Salterton's town mayor Councillor Steve Hall has marked the start of building work at Blue Cedar Homes' latest exclusive development for homebuyers aged over 55.

'Wildflowers' is on the site of a 1920s arts and crafts-style property which was designed by the locally-renowned architect William Hatchard-Smith.

As part of the Blue Cedar Homes scheme, the existing property will be extensively refurbished and, within its grounds, there will be four luxury detached properties. Each are named after wildflowers.

The development is located off the East Budleigh Road, within easy reach of Budleigh beach, the high street, the South West Coast Path and a wide range of local amenities.

Wildflowers is the second Budleigh Salterton development for the Exeter-based company Blue Cedar Homes, which launched its concept of bespoke, new homes developments for over-55s, with Westfield Gardens – an 11-home community, set in landscaped gardens, close to the high street.

Nick Yeo, area director for Blue Cedar Homes, said: "We are delighted to have been able to start work at Wildflowers a full week ahead of schedule and would like to thank all those who have helped us to achieve this.

"In particular the town council's positive response to our proposals for the site from the outset has been most constructive. We now look forward to seeing this stunning development take shape over the coming months."

Cllr Hall said: "We are very supportive of this type of development that allows older members of our community to feel safe in properties that have been specially designed to allow them to share and enjoy facilities such as the landscaped gardens in which they are set."

The properties at Wildflowers are expected to be complete in late Spring 2014. For further information on this scheme and other Blue Cedar Homes developments, please visit www.bluecedarhomes.co.uk

THE housing market is at its strongest since the Lehman Brothers collapse.

Confidence is beginning to return to the market, with both lenders and buyers seemingly more convinced that the worst of the economic crisis is behind us.

Mortgage lending has improved markedly this year, which is unclogging the bottleneck at the lowest end of the market.

This is starting to drive activity all the way up the housing chain and house prices have increased as a result, and for once not just in the South East. The East Midlands, Wales, and Yorkshire have all have seen prices increase more than London during the second quarter.

And while house prices in the South West have not quite risen at a quicker rate than in the capital, they are on the up.

Looking at the data behind these statements shows that £156bn was added to the value of British homes during the second quarter of the year, according to Zoopla.co.uk. This takes the total value of Britain's residential housing stock to £6.2tr.

The increase was driven by a 2.56 per cent (£5,899) rise in the average property value over the second quarter, which took the average value of a property in Britain up to £235,912.

In terms of total gains, £1.7bn per day was added to the value of Britain's housing stock during the second quarter, resulting in a daily increase of £65 in the value of the average British home.

All 11 regions in Britain saw their average property value increase by at least two per cent during the quarter, highlighting the strong performance of property values nationwide, rather than just in London and the South East.

It is the first time since the 2008 downturn that every region in the UK has seen at least a two per cent rise in its average property value over a single quarter.

The biggest increase in values was seen in the East Midlands, where values increased by 2.78 per cent (£4,495). Yorkshire and the Humber was the second best performing region, with the average property values also rising 2.78 per cent (£3,933) during Q2.

Wales was the third with a rise of 2.72 per cent (£4,155). All three of those regions saw bigger rises than London (2.71 per cent).

And seven out of 11 regions saw a bigger rise than the South East (2.62 per cent), suggesting the market in the South East isn't pulling away from the national market as quickly as it has been.

The South West saw a rise of 2.28 per cent in the second quarter, with the average house price going up from £228,784 to £233,999, a difference of £5,215.

CITY estate agents Winkworth have opened new showrooms on the corner of Southernhay East and Barnfield Road.

Director Simon Scott-Nelson says he believes the new position in Southernhay means his company will be able to offer clients an improved service.

He said: "We are very proud of the new offices and we believe we can now showcase properties better than any other agent in Exeter.

"Being on the corner, next to the Barnfield Theatre, all of the passing traffic has to go past the office. There is a new, striking open-plan front-of-house showroom combining lettings and sales properties, there are private meeting rooms and modern branding throughout.

"Perhaps, most importantly, there is also a team of 12 staff, made up of Exeter's finest property professionals.

"Every day our team is coming up with new ideas and ways in which we can make the property transaction quicker, less stressful and, sometimes, even a bit of fun too. We are confident that the new office will only further enhance service levels and it also complements the high standards that are set with the staff."

Simon says the new offices are just the start of an exciting new chapter for his business.

Winkworth now has more than 100 boards up around the city centre, demonstrating the company's recent growth in the area.

Simon said: "Instead of all of the sales waffle about how great we are, we show our clients intellectual, modern and tangible differences that will help their property sell.

"Our team will sit you down and see how, collectively, we can all present properties to the widest market in order to get the best results for our clients."

THE former manager of the Exmouth bowling alley has admitted leaving the business without paying staff and suppliers.

Isaac pictured and Grainne Robb said they had 'no option' but to leave the business following communication with Mark Quinn of Harlequinns Bowling and Leisure Ltd, the developer behind the multimillion-pound complex on Monday, July 15.

Former head chef Dan Leader claims he is owed about £1,600 in wages, holiday and lieu pay after handing in his notice on June 23.