Families will be able to step aboard a movie train when the Polar Express pulls into a Devon station.
Inspired by the run-away hit film and the award-winning book by Chris Van Allsburg, this holiday favourite comes to life for a festive run until December 27.
And you will be able to catch it every day at Dartmoor Railway, the old Okehampton Station, for an extra special ride.
Set to the sounds of the motion picture soundtrack, passengers will relive the magic of the story and see their favourite characters come to life as they are whisked away on a round trip to the North Pole.
During the journey, the conductor will punch tickets and chefs will serve hot chocolate, just like in the film. There will also be a festive sing-song and a special reading of the Van Allsburg classic.
At the North Pole, Santa will board the train to greet the children and will be giving a special sleigh bell to all those who believe.
The train ran for the first time last year and was such a success that it has been brought back to Devon for a second time.
"We're excited about the success of The Polar Express experience," says Ed Ellis, president of British American Rail Services, which operates the Dartmoor Railway. "We have delighted children and their parents and grandparents at locations across the US for years, and The story's messages of hope and belief are ideal for the holiday season."
Van Allsburg's story has been a festive favourite for many years, but the release of the feature film in 2004 with its many awards and accolades has placed this cherished family story among the Christmas classics.
The heart-warming story is about a doubting boy who boards a magical train ride on Christmas Eve which takes him to the North Pole where he receives a special gift from Santa.
The Devon train leaves from Okehampton Station for two journey at 5pm and 7.30pm and the and the trip is expected to take around 60 minutes, starting when you meet the conductor of the train.
"He will call 'all aboard' when the train is ready to leave the station," said a spokesman for the event. "And then he will punch everyone's ticket.
"We are encouraging passengers to wear their pyjamas and dressing gowns like in the film."
Advanced booking is required and tickets are on sale now. Prices start from £20 per adult and £15 per child (ages two to 12). A limited number of First Class tickets are also available and are £35 per adult and £25 per child (ages two to 12), or £5 for children under the age of two. Along with upgraded seating, all First Class passengers will receive their own Polar Express ceramic souvenir cocoa mug.
For tickets and event information, call 08000 23 23 83 or visit the Polar Express website
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All aboard the Polar Express for a magical experience
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BEST BUYS: Our top beauty picks
THE EYES HAVE IT
Say 'Eye Do' to Alexa Chung's new beauty collaboration. The It girl's trademark winged eye is achievable with her Alexa For Eyeko Eye Do duo, containing Eye Do Liquid Eyeliner and Eye Do Mascara in a decorative poster tube, £35, exclusively at www.selfridges.comBE FLAWLESS THIS WINTER
Protect your face this winter with Murad's new Pore & Line Minimizing Hydrator.
The serum-like cream minimises the appearance of pores and controls oil production to keep your skin looking shine-free and flawless. The impressive product is so light it just glides onto the skin and is a definite must have to see you through this winter. It costs £49.50 and local stockists include H2O Hair and Beauty at Piazza Terracina, Exeter, and Marks & Spencer.TURNING DOWN THE TONER
IS the cleanse, tone and moisturise mantra on its way out? Superdrug reports sales of toners have slumped, indicating that women are drifting away from the traditional three-step skincare routine. Five years ago, Superdrug sold six different skin toners in its own brand range but today has just one on the shelves (Simply Pure Toner, £2.59), and sales of this product have declined by 10 per cent since last year. Meanwhile, purchases of cleansing wipes and Micellar waters (which leave toners redundant) are on the rise.GOOD THINGS COME IN THREES
Colourful smoky eyes have taken centre stage on the catwalks this autumn, and now you can easily recreate the look yourself with Bourjois's Intense Smoky Eyeshadow.
The bolder version of its best-selling smoky eye trio range features two different eyeshadows, which compliment each other, and a creamy liner. It comes complete with a handy applicator with a foam end for the eyeshadow and a special liner brush at the other end. I'm a big fan of the trio range and now the intense smoky eyeshadows too which come in lots of great colours for the party season. It costs £7.99 an is available from high street shops including Boots and Superdrug. BAG A SKINCARE TREAT
Christmas has come early at Elizabeth Arden. Simply purchase two or more Elizabeth Arden products, with one being skincare, and get a free designer Preen print beauty bag – filled to the brim with skincare treats worth more than £126. Exclusively available at Debenhams stores until November 30, while stocks last.
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Christmas in Exeter
All you need to know about Christmas in Exeter and the surrounding area.
Wait two seconds to be redirected to our channel.
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WHAT WE'RE WEARING: Your style on the streets of Exeter
We have been out and about in Exeter's Princesshay to have a look at the local winter fashion. Here is what you were wearing.Emma Lacey, from Exeter, is wearing a coat from Oasis, boots from Brand Alley and trousers from Primark. Her bag is from Pauls Boutique and her broach is vintage. She received the scarf as a gift.Kate Webster, from Bournemouth, is wearing a coat and scarf from Zara. her boots are from Next and she bought her bag from a market in Florence.Mary Shimmer, from Worcester, is wearing a scarf from Jewel, jacket from Oasis, jeans from Warehouse and boots from Asos. She got her bag from Pauls Boutique.
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Revive your skin this winter
Rescue your skin before it goes into winter meltdown. Lisa Haynes reveals some expert SOS (Save Our Skin) techniques
It's that time of year when we ramp up our party beauty regime but put skincare on the back burner.
Blame the weather. Swathed in layers, with limbs in tights to keep warm, it's easy to forget about your flesh until the return of spring.
Almost a quarter of women admit to neglecting their skin in the winter, according to a recent survey by skincare expert E45.
Most suffer from symptoms such as sensitive skin (27 per cent), snakeskin-like legs (21 per cent) and dry elbows and knees (25 per cent).
"As the colder weather sets in, the low humidity in the air enhances its drying effect on the skin," says dermatologist Tabi Leslie.
"This, coupled with the increase in central heating and us trying to warm up with baths and showers, can really suck the moisture from our skin."
Step up your maintenance and winter-proof your skin for the frosty months ahead.Chapped handsWinter woe: Removing winter gloves to unveil red, chapped and angry-looking hands.
Exposed to the elements, hands often bear the brunt of cold weather, and dry hands are especially common in winter if you're prone to symptoms of sensitive skin like inflammation or eczema.
"Dryness and chapping can be caused by exposure to dry winds and cold water," says Leslie. "Sufferers with very dry skin are also more susceptible to sensitivity from soaps and other products."Maintenance: Keep a tube of hand cream in your bag to keep hands hydrated on the move, and try to use immediately after washing hands. Before bed, use a rich formula that can soak in overnight to leave palms feeling soft by morning.Red facedWinter woe: No matter how much foundation you slap on, those red cheeks and Rudolph nose just won't disappear.
When you go from inside to outside in the winter, you're challenging your skin to adapt quickly from hot to cold and cold to hot.
"Unfortunately, this process causes the capillaries in the face to contract and expand rapidly leading to broken veins and skin redness," explains Dr Ariel Haus, a Harley Street dermatologist.Maintenance: Protect your skin from temperature variations with Vitamin C. Try a hydrating serum containing vitamin C and antioxidants to minimise and soothe damaged skin whilst nourishing and protecting.Snake skinWinter woe: When you undress at night, your clothes are covered in an unsightly speckling of dead skin.
Cold winds and central heating both take their toll on your skin, sapping it of essential moisture.
"Many people experience itching, flaking and dryness in winter," says Dr Sam Bunting, a cosmetic dermatologist.
"The outer layer of our epidermis needs to maintain adequate moisture levels in order to preserve its function as a protective barrier."Maintenance: Step up your skincare routine with intensely hydrating products. Apply your moisturiser to damp skin within two or three minutes of getting out of the bath or shower, to lock in moisture and minimise dehydration.Cold customerWinter woe: You feel like you've constantly got the shivers and only a steaming hot bath will help.
Ease up on the hot tap. When baths and showers are hotter than they should be, it can increase skin sensitivity.
"Hot water will strip your skin's barrier, increase circulation and heighten nerve responses in the skin – all contributing to increased sensitivity and prolonged flushing," warns Candice Gardner of International Dermal Institute.Maintenance: Reduce your water temperature, ideally to tepid or slightly warm. If the very idea gives you a chill, at least cool the temperature down when cleansing your face, as the skin tissue on the face, neck and chest is more vulnerable to developing sensitivity.Flaky ScalpWinter woe: It's snowing ... on your shoulders due to an abrupt case of dandruff.
Like the skin on your body, your scalp can become dehydrated during cold snaps. Upping the central heating can also create a sudden imbalance.
"An irritated dry scalp can throw your hair out of balance causing flaking, redness and all round upset," reveals Norris Ogario, founder of Ogario hair salon.Maintenance: Soothe your scalp with a nourishing conditioner or hair mask that's free of harsh synthetic ingredients to help replenish lost moisture. Wearing a hat can also help protect your hair during the winter.Winter regime
Keep Jack Frost out and hydration in with cosmetic dermatologist and Aveeno ambassador Dr Sam Bunting's top tips:
Exfoliate less often – dry, winter skin may only need it once a week.
Use a soap-free, emollient wash to avoid depleting the skin's natural oils.
Gently pat skin dry after your shower as rough towel drying can irritate sensitive winter skin.
Apply body moisturiser straight after a shower to lock moisture in when the skin's water content is at its highest.
Be generous with your moisturiser – aim to use 30ml for each top-to-toe application.
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Your memories of Exeter Blitz wanted for Bike Shed play
(i have requested a pic but hasn't come yet so can you use a generic exeter blitz image in the meantime. ta)EYE witness accounts of the Exeter Blitz are being brought to the stage in an inspiring, insightful and humorous play.
Viva Voce, who have a residency at The Bike Shed Theatre in Exeter, interviewed 16 people who were between the ages of six and 25 in 1942, to gather first-hand verbatim testimony from those who witnessed the raids in Exeter during World War Two.
The staging of their extraordinary stories forges connections across generations and encourages residents to see their city in a new light.
The company is staging The Exeter Blitz Project from now until Saturday, December 14, following a sell-out run in May 2012.
Among the stories being told on the stage is that of Roger Free who was 11 years old in 1942.
He said: "On the night of May 3, I recall walking up the road to a vantage point during a longer than usual, noisier than usual air raid, and seeing the heart of the city of Exeter ablaze.
"This was The Blitz, or as my diary recorded this unfamiliar word, the Blizt. And I added, next day, with all the reserve of one of those great stiff-upper-lip wartime films, 'Did not bother to go to school'!"
Between 1940 and 1942, Exeter was raided by the German Luftwaffe 19 times. The worst raid took place in the early hours of May 4, 1942. The event dramatically altered the landscape of the city forever.
Performances take place on Thursdays at 2pm and 7.30pm; Fridays at 7pm; and Saturdays at 2pm and 7.30pm.
As part of their residency at The Bike Shed Theatre, Viva Voce has gathered new material from testimony for their current production, and will present a selection of readings, talks and screenings of previous work and related material.
Viva Voce's mission is to create theatre from the words of real people, propelled by the belief that sharing and listening to each other's life experiences can enrich our communities, and in turn, our lives.
Tickets for the show cost £12 adults, £8 concessions. Call 01392 434169 or visit the Bike Shed Theatre website.
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Elderly man injured after car collides with lorry outside Tesco in Exeter
An elderly man has received minor injuries after his Silver Peugeot collided with a lorry outside Tesco in Exeter.
A TNT lorry was involved in the incident at 11:45am today.
Police confirmed one man had been treated for injuries on Russell Way in Exeter.
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Exeter based property developer plans to double in size after securing £5m funding
A Devon-based property developer is aiming to double revenues on the back of growing demand for its high-quality eco-friendly homes.
Heritage Developments South West Ltd specialises in developing high-specification homes, from two bed apartments to five bed executive houses, located within 30 miles of its Exeter headquarters.
Founded in 2003 by directors David Lovell, Andrew Martinovic and Stuart Anthony, Heritage has so far built around 200 homes, costing from £160,000 to £1.4 million.
The £6.5 million turnover business has now secured £5 million of development loan facilities from Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking to develop its two latest projects in Devon.
Holland Park is a development of 40 ground-breaking zero carbon homes, ranging in size from two beds to five beds, in Exeter.
More than half the contemporary homes have already been sold off plan, in advance of the first completions due in May, 2014.
Heritage is also developing a total of 50 homes in Tiverton, which have a more traditional feel.
The first phase of Tiverton 14 homes have already been occupied by their new owners, while ground works are underway on phase two of the development, which comprises 36 homes that are due for completion in late 2015.
Development Director, David Lovell said: "Ever since we started we have always aimed to be ahead of the market by developing homes with the latest high-specification fittings and finishes and the highest standards of workmanship.
"Holland Park is a development of cutting-edge homes with first-class eco credentials, which aims to be the first truly zero carbon major residential development in the West Country.
"We came to Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking because it offered a far more flexible and pro-active approach to lending, which will enable us to move the business forward and expand.
"The bank demonstrated a good understanding of our industry and was prepared to work with us to achieve the best result for our company.
"I believe that in three years' time we will have built a business with annual revenue between £10 to 12 million."
Heritage has 20 members of staff and also employs around 60 sub-contractors at any one time, which it recruits from the local area.
It currently has a pipeline of options or land under negotiation for close to 200 more homes.
Colin Vallance, Relationship Director, Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking, said: "Heritage Developments South West is an innovative property developer which is well-placed to take advantage of the recovery in the housing market.
"It is building imaginative, eco-friendly homes in desirable locations which have seen strong demand from house buyers.
"At Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking we share that ambition for growth and we are committed to supporting our business customers. Our net lending is positive and we have pledged to keep it positive in 2013."
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Exeter secretary admits historic aircraft fraud
A secretary has admitted swindling £10,000 from a company which restored and flew historic aircraft out of Exeter Airport.
Amanda Hallett was the company secretary of Hunter Flying when she took the money from the firm, which has since been renamed and moved to a base in Wales.
She paid money directly into her own bank account, misused a company credit card, and wrote a cheque to a false payee which she channelled into her account.
Hallett, aged 41, from Torquay, admitted three counts of fraud totalling just over £10,000 when she appeared at Exeter Crown Court.
All the offences date from a period between 2008 and 2012 when she was company secretary of the company, which was based at Exeter Airport and St Athan at Barry, South Wales.
The company has since changed its name to Horizon Aircraft Services and concentrated its business in Wales.
It specialises in restoring and historic warplanes, including Hawker Hunter jets but also provides maintenance services from hangars at the Ministry of Defence run base at St Athan.
It has operated since 1999 and supports enthusiasts who own restored aircraft including Jet Provosts, Strikemasters and Russian-built Yaks.
Its website also offers flight training for pilots who need to qualify to fly historic aircraft, which requires specialist training.
Hallett was bailed by Judge Francis Gilbert, who adjourned sentence for the preparation of a probation pre sentence report.
The full charges allege she paid £6,340 into her bank account while company secretary of Hunter Flying ltd and in a position where she was expected to safeguard its interests.
The other two charges relate to private spending on a company credit card between 2010 and July 2011 and creating a false invoice to Jeremy Bird which resulted in £960 being paid into her account.
Miss Janice Eagles, prosecuting, said the Crown calculate the total value of the frauds to be £10,102.75 but accepted she has repaid around £2,000.
Miss Julia Cox, defending, said Hallett has pleaded guilty on the basis that the amount she took was between £9,000 and £10,000.
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RECIPE: Try MasterChef finalists' beignet souffles with hazelnut chocolate sauce
After cooking their hearts out on screen earlier this year, the MasterChef finalists are showcasing their best recipes in a new book.
Londoner Natalie Coleman, who won the most-recent series of the show, and fellow finalists Dale Williams and Larkin Cen, both from Cardiff, have released MasterChef: The Finalists, which includes some of the recipes they cooked on the show – plus some new ones.
Here is one for you to try at home.Beignet souffles with hazelnut chocolate sauceIngredients (Serves 4)For the beignets:
75g unsalted butter
95g plain flour
3 large eggs, beaten
Sunflower oil, for deep-frying
50g caster sugar
1tsp ground cinnamon
WaterFor the chocolate sauce:
200ml double cream
90g plain chocolate (minimum 70% cocoa solids)
25g hazelnuts, toasted and blitzed to a powder in a spice millMethod:
1. For the beignets, warm the butter with 225ml water in a saucepan over a low heat until the butter has melted.
2. Turn up the heat and bring to the boil, then add the flour and beat vigorously until the mixture is smooth and leaves the sides of the pan. Remove from the heat and cool slightly before gradually beating in the eggs to make a smooth, glossy choux pastry.
3. Heat the sunflower oil for deep-frying to 190C. Working in batches, so you don't overcrowd the pan, drop heaped teaspoonfuls of the choux pastry into the hot oil and deep-fry for about five minutes, or until crisp and golden on all sides.
4. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on kitchen paper. You should make 24 to 30 beignets in all. Mix the caster sugar with the cinnamon in a shallow dish, add the beignets a few at a time and toss them gently until they are well coated.
5. For the chocolate sauce, put the cream and chocolate into a small heatproof bowl. Set the bowl over a pan of lightly simmering water (ensure the base of the bowl does not touch the water) and gently stir until the chocolate has melted and the sauce is smooth and silky. Stir in the hazelnut powder.
6. To serve, arrange the beignets on small plates with the sauce alongside for dipping. Sprinkle with a little extra cinnamon sugar.
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Woman finds mystery spider in grapes from Wilkinson store
PEOPLE are being urged to check their food before they eat it after an unusual spider was discovered among some grapes bought from Wilkinson in Newton Abbot.
Fern Thompson bought a box of red grapes, which came from America, from the store on Monday.
The spider that was discovered among the grapes
The 22-year-old from Torquay, who works as a neighbourhood assistant for a housing association, had left the box on her desk for around 20 minutes before she noticed a branch moving – and then a spider popped out.
"It made my skin crawl," she said. "It was a disgusting little thing, the size of the top of your thumb. It was extremely fast and eager to escape."
She said she slammed the box shut and returned to the shop. By the time she got there, the spider had crawled out of one of the holes in the box and into the surrounding bag.
Miss Thompson said: "I'd not seen a spider like it before, and I didn't know if it was poisonous or not. If it was poisonous, it could have been more serious.
"I wanted to know what it was and whether Wilkinson was going to change its policies to make sure products are checked more carefully.
"I used to shop at Wilkinson regularly but the experience has completely put me off shopping there and I don't think I'll eat grapes again. I now have to wash all fresh food twice before I can eat it.
"People should always check their food before they eat it."
Miss Thompson and her colleagues tried to identify the spider using the internet but couldn't agree on a species.
She said Wilkinson refunded the money for the grapes and sent the spider to the environmental health department.
A spokesman for the retailer confirmed that it had investigated a complaint from a customer who found a spider in grape packaging purchased from its Newton Abbot store.
He said: "We were very sorry to hear of this incident and immediately sought advice from the environmental health department.
"They subsequently confirmed the spider was a redback jumping spider, which was not dangerous, and we are in touch with the customer to offer reassurance.
"Whenever fresh produce is imported from overseas there is a very small chance of this happening. Our suppliers do, however, make every effort to prevent such occurrences."
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Tiverton deli couple have good food close to their hearts
Chef Iain Thompson and his wife Lisa like to keep busy. For the last five years they have been running the popular Deli Shack at Tiverton Pannier Market, and since last year also providing the delicious food at the Deli Shack Café at Yearlstone Vineyard.
And now they have just converted a former storeroom at the market into a permanent home for their deli and to expand the products they sell.
The larger space was cleared out and last month the business, which had previously traded from inside the market building, began operating from its new home.
And Iain and Lisa said they are delighted with the move and have now achieved their dream of a new larger premises.
"The new permanent Deli Shack has been created in a beautiful old brick and wood built storeroom at the side of the market," said Lisa. "Mid Devon District Council wanted to make better use of the storeroom and asked if we would like to take on the tenancy.
"We spent most of the summer sourcing more than 400 new lines at the same time as being manically busy up at the Deli Shack Café in Yearlstone with all the fantastic weather we had. We're now number one on Trip Advisor out of 50 restaurants in the Mid Devon area.
"We finally opened about a month ago and haven't stood still since. Our aim is to be a real destination for Devon foodies and a great place to find perfect gifts and unusual ingredients for all food lovers.
"We still sell a fabulous range of cheese (usually more than 60 different varieties), tapas and charcuterie but we can now offer everything from sushi kits to a huge range of herbs, spices and seasonings, top quality oils and vinegars, paella pans and artisan hand painted Spanish pottery."
The hard-working couple have also just launched www.presentsforfoodies.com which is full of gift ideas for bespoke-made hampers for everyone who loves cooking and good food.
Iain said the idea for expanding the Deli Shack into a new unit had first come around a year ago and he was delighted with the "innovative thinking" he had encountered from Mid Devon District Council about using some of the unoccupied outer space of the market.
He said: "We are determined to give the area the best possible and will be stocking cheeses from nine different countries as well as charcuterie, tapas, condiments and cooking ingredients as well as local artisan produce."
Iain, who was a commercial director for an international company, downsized in 2004 and moved to Mid Devon where he trained as a chef at Petroc and went on to work in local schools.
Lisa, who also had a high-powered job in marketing before relocating to Devon, added: "The past five years have been very hard work but we are now beginning to see some satisfying results.
"We love the deli and creating the food at Yearlstone. Our aim there is to create food where the emphasis is on local fresh produce. People go there to have an experience and get the best of the West Country with marvellous views.
"Our signature dish is our Deli Shack platter, meat or cheese, full of the best cold meats and cheeses from around the region. Many of our suppliers are award winners.
"Our businesses work really well together. Through the delicatessen we can get a greater range of local produce."
The couple are a great example of how it is possible to change your life and make a success out of something you enjoy doing.
"I was originally in sales and marketing," said Lisa. "When I lost my job we decided it was time to do something that we both love – and that is working with food and people.
"We opened the Deli Shack at the Pannier Market in 2007 and that proved to be really popular, so when the opportunity came to open the café at the vineyard last year we jumped at it.
"And now we are lucky to have our new premises in the market."
And the couple are really enjoying the experience.
"As a trained chef I've always had a passion for West Country and seasonal produce and so our business is simply an extension of that passion put into practice," said Iain.
Market manager Chris Firth said this use of additional market space was the first step in ambitious plans to reinvigorate the market.
"In five years' time we want to double the size of the market and the number of traders," he said. "We are planning to invest in a roof for the open area of the market because at present if we have a rainy day we have about half the number of people we do on a dry day.
"We hope high quality businesses like Iain and Lisa's deli will increase the footfall and I think there is a growing awareness that the market has a central role to play in the regeneration of the whole of the town centre."The new-look Deli Shack will normally be open from Tuesday through to Saturday up to Christmas and then from Monday to Saturday from January. The café is now operating on winter hours, Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 11am to 3pm. The café will close for the season on December 14 re-opening on April 4, 2014 at 11am.
Click here to find out how to win a Deli Shack hamper worth £35.
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Exeter Greenpeace engineer finally leaves Russian jail
Exeter Greenpeace maritime engineer Iain Rogers is finally out from behind bars in the Russian city of St Petersburg.
The 37-year-old has been detained for more than two months in a Russian jail for his involvement in a Greenpeace protest in the Arctic.
He was granted bail at a court hearing in the city yesterday and has been in a detention centre until now.
It is understood his bail conditions are restricting him to the city of St Petersburg and he will be staying in a hotel.
He was the fifth British environmental activist to be granted bail.
Video journalist Kieron Bryan and Alex Harris, both from Devon, were also granted bail this week.
They are part of a 30-strong group charged with piracy and hooliganism following the peaceful protest against one of Russia's largest oil companies, Gazprom, which was about to start drilling in the sea when their ship, the Arctic Sunrise was boarded by armed members of the Russian coast guard.
The group has been behind bars since September 18.
Iain's mum Sue Turner yesterday welcomed the news of her son's bail but said she is still very worried.
"This is good news as he and the others will have more freedom and be able to phone home now," she said. "But I'm still very worried as the charges still stand."
The activists granted bail were held in a detention centre until Greenpeace transferred all the bail money at £38,000 per person.
"Greenpeace has been absolutely brilliant," she added.
It is unclear as to why the radio operator of the Arctic Sunrise, Colin Russell from Australia has been denied bail by the Russian authorities.
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Win a hamper from The Deli Shack, Tiverton
Lisa and Iain Thompson of the Deli Shack, Tiverton, are offering Echo readers the chance to win a hamper from their new www.presentsforfoodies.com worth £35. The gift pack will be full of Spanish goodies – including chocolate coated figs. Plus there will be a £20 gift voucher which can be spent either in the Deli Shack in Tiverton or online here, for one lucky runner-up.
To be in with a chance of winning just write and tell us in which Devon market you will find the Deli Shack.
Send your answer on a postcard to Sue Kemp, Deli Shack Competition, Express & Echo Heron Road, Sowton, Exeter EX22 7NF, by next Thursday, December 5. Don't forget to include your own name, address and contact details. The winner must be able to collect the hamper from the Echo's offices at Sowton.
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UPDATE: Male, 25, arrested on suspicion of Exeter murder
POLICE investigating a murder have confirmed that one man is now in custody.
Officers said that a 25-year-old has been arrested this afternoon on suspicion of murder and is awaiting questioning at Exeter police station.
This follows an incident in Alphington Road, Exeter last night where police were called just before 8pm following concerns for a resident.
A 43 year old man was found inside a property with injuries and was conveyed by ambulance to the R D & E Hospital where he later died.
Enquires are continuing surrounding his death including house to house, and Investigating officers are following a number of leads.
A post mortem will be carried out on the body later today.
Superintendent Chris Eastwood, commander for the Exeter area,said: "A 25 year old male has been arrested on suspicion of murder and is currently in custody at Exeter police station.
"The investigation still continues and we are still looking for witnesses so would appeal for anyone with information to contact us.
"We also want to reassure the public that thankfully incidents like this are very rare in Exeter and continues to be very safe city to live in."
Police said that they are still appealing for information from the public and in particular anyone who was in the area between 6pm and 8pm yesterday evening (Thursday) and saw anyone acting suspiciously.
This morning police were still guarding the scene and a large cordon was in place blocking access to the properties from the front on Alphington Road and around the back entrance and access at Fortescue Road.
Anyone with any information is asked to contact police on 101 quoting police reference DE/13/10937 or alternatively call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.
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RESTAURANT REVIEW: Les Saveurs at the Seafood Restaurant, Exmouth
Les Saveurs at The Seafood Restaurant
9 Tower Street, Exmouth, 01395 269459
Accolades don't come much bigger than being crowned by celebrity chef Marco Pierre White as the Best Restaurant Couple in the UK.
Les Saveurs gained national recognition after being declared winners of Marco Pierre White's Kitchen Wars on Channel 5 in 2012.
Run by chef Olivier Guyard-Mulkerrin and his wife Sheila, they restaurant has also won another prestigious award. It is now in the Michelin Guide, also in the Waitrose Good Food Guide and has an AA rosette.What?
Its menu is always changing but an example of what you might find for a starter is a rich Mediterranean fish soup, accompanied with traditional rouille, grated emantale cheese and garlic croutons, £7.
Mains they have served include pork fillet served with apple and black pudding, with a cider sauce accompanied with champ potatoes, £16.50; and local fillet of cod, served with a chorizo lentil and lemon thyme sauce, £17.95.
Desserts cost £6.50 and could include snow eggs, served with baileys cream anglaise and caramel; and chocolate terrine, served with brandy sauce.When?
Open Tuesday to Saturday, from 7pm with last bookings at 9pm.Extra?
Very popular with diners is its monthly specials. The restaurant is also offering a Christmas Day lunch and New Year's Eve menu.
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Casa Maroc delivering passion for pizza in Exeter
Taking pizza delivery to a whole new level is the launch of Casa Pizza Takeaway and Delivery.
Freshly cooked pizzas made from scratch can now be enjoyed in the comfort of your own home after being baked at city centre restaurant Casa Maroc which serves an Italian and Moroccan menu.
Owner Mario Souayah prides himself on only serving pizzas which are homemade, with lots more choice available on the takeaway menu than what is available in the restaurant.
Mario said: "We make our own pizza bases. I really don't know why people use frozen dough because fresh tastes so much better.
"The menu features a wide range of pizzas, including well known favourites as well as new combinations like The Casa: creamy garlic sauce, chargrilled chicken, mushrooms and fresh thyme, or Vesuvius: N'duja – a spicy spreadable sausage made with pork, mozzarella red onion and red peppers."
Casa Pizza Takeaway is available Monday to Saturday, from 5.30pm to 10pm, within a three-mile radius of Casa Maroc. There is no charge for delivery but a £15 minimum order. View the menu here.
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Jury sent home for weekend in Topsham boatyard swindle case
The jury have been sent home for the weekend in the case of a businessman who denies swindling customers of a Topsham boatyard.
Paul Randle is accused of 'robbing Peter to pay Paul' by using money from sellers who used the Exe Leisure brokerage to keep the failing business alive.
He was a director of the business, which was based on Topsham Quay, and the sister company Solent Management, which handled the brokerage.
He says co director Andy Bowden handled the finances and gave him to believe there were enough assets to pay all the bills.
Randle, aged 47, of Exeter Road, Topsham, denies fraudulent trading and the jury at Exeter Crown Court will return on Monday to continue their deliberations.
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People petition for residents' only parking in Exeter
RESIDENTS of Elizabeth Avenue in Pennsylvania have presented their local county councillor, Percy Prowse, with a petition asking for residents only parking.
Their street is one of many in the Stoke Hill area which is being besieged by commuters.
Cllr Prowse said: "It is absolutely dreadful around this area.
"There is nowhere for parents to park when they arrive to drop their kids off at school.
"Commuters are even parking on grass verges.
"We really need a park and ride on the north side of the city."
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Pupils at St James' School in Exeter win first round of debating competition
PUPILS of St James' School have won the first round of the English Speaking Union's debating competition, Youth Speaks.
Two teams of St James' pupils took part in the Mid and South Devon area heat of the competition, against teams from St Luke's School, Exeter, St Cuthbert Mayne, Torquay and Torquay Boys Grammar schools.
The event, hosted by St James', is an annual event that sees pupils compete against each other on a topic chosen by the English Speaking Union. This year's topic was Are celebrities detrimental to society? Pupils were expected to speak and question each other for 15 minutes.
The St James' teams were made up of year 10 pupils Ruari Mold, Owen Jones, Rory Irwin, Dixie Jordan, Collette Neave, and Safa Quarishi. Dixie Jordan received the accolade of Questioner of the Event.
After five rounds of speaking, the St James team of Ruari, Owen and Rory were declared the joint winners with St Cuthbert Mayne, due to their use of humour, pertinent questioning and natural command of the stage.
They will go on to compete against the winners of the North Devon heat in the branch final on December 4 at St Luke's.
Claire Palmer, teacher of English, who was overseeing the event, said of the boys' achievement: "We are really proud of their success.
"This is the fourth year that St James have entered this competition and the fact we have won is due to the commitment that these boys have shown; practising every lunchtime and after school for the past two weeks with myself and Miss Hawken. We wish them every success at St Luke's."
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