A student has been cleared of raping a 16-year-old girl on a sleepover camping trip after telling a jury she was an active and willing participant in sex. Former Petrock College student Adam Braund said the girl had agreed to sex after he wrote her a message on his phone and they lay side by side in a tent on Barnstaple Cricket ground. His family and friends cheered from the public gallery of Exeter Crown Court as a jury acquitted him of two counts of rape. Braund was found not guilty after telling the court how he checked the girl's age and whether she was on the pill before they had sex. He said she took part in sex by backing into his body as he lay behind her and said or done nothing to stop him during 15 to 20 minutes of love making. He also said her hand was within inches of an axe inside the tent but she had not tried to use it. Braund, aged 20, who was living at Coronation Terrace, Ilfracombe at the time but is now living in Alicante, Spain, denied two counts of raping the 16-year-old girl in April last year. He was found not guilty by the jury and discharged by Judge Mr Justice Teare. During the three day trial the girl, now 17, said she did not know Braund before he joined the camping trip and had already pushed him away when he tried to kiss her. She says she turned her back of him when they were both lying down in the same tent but he pulled down her jeans from behind while pinching her neck with his other hand and had sex with her. She alleges that after the attack he called out to the occupants of the other tent 'I've just raped your friend'. Braund said at the time he was on a plumbing course at Petrock College and only joined the camping trip because he missed his bus home to Ilfracombe. He said he had been fondling the 16-year-old earlier in the evening and when they went to their tent they were initially alone and she started to have oral sex with him. Braund said another man who had been outside returned to the tent and they stopped. They went outside where they tried to have sex but found it was too cold and returned to the tent. He said he asked the girl her age and if she was on the pill before they started having sex again. He also wrote a message on his phone asking if she wanted sex and showed it to her and she said yes in a soft voice. He said:"She was most definitely willing. I typed the message on my phone and she said yes. I did not tell the police about that because I was worried they would seize my phone. "She pulled down her trousers. They were around her knees. She was participating and pushed back onto me and was moaning quietly. "When I finished I shouted 'I've just had sex'. I shouted out because of euphoria. It was a thing from a song by Akon. It was a stupid thing to do. "I never pinched her throat. I kissed her neck but I did not bite her. Afterwards there was a conversation about us feeling bad because I had a girlfriend and she was feeling bad about cheating on her boyfriend. "I did not rape her, definitely not."

Exeter scientists have found a nasty whiff could offer potential health benefits in a range of issues, from diabetes to stroke, heart attacks and dementia. It may smell of flatulence but when used in the right tiny dosage, hydrogen sulfide is now being found to offermore than expected. A new compound (AP39), designed and made at the University of Exeter, could hold the key to future therapies, by targeting delivery of very small amounts of the substance to the right places inside cells. Scientists in Exeter have already found that the compound protects mitochondria – the "powerhouse" of cells, which drive energy production in blood vessel cells. Preventing or reversing mitochondrial damage is a key strategy for treatments of a variety of conditions such as stroke, heart failure, diabetes and arthritis, dementia and ageing. Mitochondria determine whether cells live or die and they regulate inflammation. In the clinic, dysfunctional mitochondria are strongly linked to disease severity. Professor Matt Whiteman, of the University of Exeter Medical School, said: "When cells become stressed by disease, they draw in enzymes to generate minute quantities of hydrogen sulfide. This keeps the mitochondria ticking over and allows cells to live. If this doesn't happen, the cells die and lose the ability to regulate survival and control inflammation. We have exploited this natural process by making a compound, called AP39, which slowly delivers very small amounts of this gas specifically to the mitochondria. Our results indicate that if stressed cells are treated with AP39, mitochondria are protected and cells stay alive." Dr. Mark Wood of Biosciences, at the University of Exeter, added "Although hydrogen sulfide is well known as a pungent, foul-smelling gas in rotten eggs and flatulence, it is naturally produced in the body and could in fact be a healthcare hero with have significant implications for future therapies for a variety of diseases." The research is being conducted in several models of disease, and pre-clinical results are promising. For example, in models of cardiovascular disease, research shows that more than 80 per cent of the powerhouse mitochondria cells survive under otherwise highly destructive conditions, if the AP39 is administered. Professors Whiteman and Wood are now working towards advancing the research to a stage where it can be tested in humans. The study was published in the journal Medicinal Chemistry Communications. A follow-up study, published in The Nitric Oxide Journal with collaborators from the University of Texas Medical Branch, also found that the compound selectively prevented mitochondrial DNA in mitochondria. Once damaged, this DNA cannot be repaired, leaving individuals more vulnerable to disease symptoms. Early indications in small-scale studies, presented at this year's 3rd International Conference on Hydrogen Sulfide in Biology and Medicine in Kyoto, also show that in high blood pressure, AP39 reversed blood vessel stiffening and lowered blood pressure. It also dramatically improved chances of survival after a heart attack by slowing the heartbeat, improving its efficiency.

Under-fire Brazil boss Luiz Felipe Scolari insists he will lead the World Cup hosts into Saturday's third-fourth place play-off and beyond, despite their embarrassing 7-1 semi-final humbling to Germany last night. Brazil were left dumbstruck after shipping five goals in the opening 29 minutes and conceded twice more when Chelsea forward Andre Schurrle came off the bench to add to Toni Kroos's brace. That, and strikes from Sami Khedira, Miroslav Klose and Thomas Muller, inflicted the Selecao's joint all-time heaviest defeat. Yet Scolari, who led Brazil to the last of their five World Cup triumphs in 2002, is adamant he will not offer his resignation. "Will I continue as Brazil manager? I'm in no doubt about that," he said. "I will be remembered as the coach to lose 7-1, but I knew that risk when I took the job. "I did what I thought was the correct thing to do [in this game]. It's a catastrophic, ugly defeat, the worst ever, but we are looking ahead to the future. "In 2002 we won, here we lost. I was the one who chose the team. We shouldn't forget that we have a game on Saturday to get through." Brazil were booed off by supporters in Belo Horizonte, who showed Germany generous appreciation after they became the first team ever to score seven in a World Cup semi-final. But with an eye on restoring some national pride in Saturday's meeting against the loser from tonight's second semi-final between Holland and Argentina, Scolari has begged the Brazilian public for their forgiveness. "My message for the Brazilian people is please excuse us for this performance," added the 65-year-old. "I'm sorry that we weren't able to get to the final and we're going to try to win the third-place match. We still have something to play for."

A SURVIVOR of two double lung transplants hopes to illustrate the beauty of organ donation through a unique piece of artwork. Kirstie, 24, from Honiton, who is enjoying her third chance of life after two successful transplant operations, has recently taken up body painting. She is now hoping to further raise awareness by painting all possible donated organs onto a life model. Each will be represented by a floral design in the shape of the specific organ and Kirstie hopes to complete the project within the next few months. She said: "I want to show that organ donation is something beautiful. It can give the impression that it is just about cutting people up, which is crude and can be off-putting. But it turns into something beautiful and is a great gift. If I can visually represent this then I think I can come up with something really powerful." Kirstie, who has battled cystic fibrosis since birth, had her first transplant in 2011 just months after getting married when she was moments from death. Last year she suffered chronic rejection and was initially told she was not going to be put back on the transplant list. That decision was reversed and another match was found for Kirstie when she was again running out of time. Because of her experiences she has gone on to become a leading campaigner for organ donation. She was the face of the Echo's lifesavers' campaign and is an active advocate for Live Life then Give Life and the Cystic Fibrosis Trust. She got into body painting after a recent hospital admission. She said: "I started by face painting every day to keep myself busy but have started to get more serious with it. I wanted to do something as a campaign for organ donation. "There are lots of paintings of organs which is great but not original. I wanted to do my own but with an original take and it just went from there." Kirstie will be creating representations of the heart, lungs, liver, pancreas, kidney, small bowel and the eye. "All the designs are based on our organs," she added. "The kidneys are like flowers and the liver is like a leaf in the shape of the liver. "I want to create something really pretty and aesthetically pleasing that will create a lot of interest and go viral. "I have done a practice session and it is almost ready to be done." In terms of Kirstie's recovery from her latest operation, she said she has overcome a few hiccups and is back to teaching pole dancing in her own studio. She is also getting into public speaking and has set up a website www.kirstietancock.co.uk This week is National Transplant week and Kirstie is busy painting people with the words "'I want to be an organ donor". In Devon, 33 residents have died due to the shortage of organs in the last five years and there are currently 168 people in the county waiting for a transplant. The aim of this year's campaign is to encourage prospective organ donors to "spell out" their wishes to their loved ones.

A woman in a wheelchair has been rescued from the River Exe at Topsham. Police officers are at the scene at The Strand following reports of an elderly woman in the river. She was brought to shore by an RNLI rigid inflatable boat. Officers are awaiting an ambulance to take the woman to hospital. She is thought to be uninjured. The police helicopter was deployed after the initial report and the RNLI lifeboat was also called out.Update as we have them

The first adult sleep therapy clinic of its kind has opened in Exeter. Based in the city, the clinic provides expert adult sleep therapy with treatment for insomnia and related sleep problems. Run by Sleep Physiologist Stephanie Romiszewski, the course of treatment combines a scientific knowledge base with a sleep specific form of cognitive behavioral therapy to offer an effective long-term treatment for insomnia and other sleep issues. Stephanie said: "Sleep deprivation and poor sleep is detrimental when it comes to how we operate at work. It affects our decision-making, productivity , alertness and memory. "Poor sleep can also be dangerous when it comes to the workplace. We have already experienced the terrible effects that this can have." One third of the UK workforce is likely to suffer from insomnia at some point in their life and poor night's sleep can exacerbate other health conditions. It has been proven that without a regular sleep pattern, people cannot function at 100%. Stephanie added: "Part of my job as a sleep physiologist is to help educate employees and employers on sleep wellbeing and how to make the most out of our sleep. "Being able to improve society in this way is hugely gratifying. I meet all sorts of people working in diverse fields and adapting the information I deliver to make it as practical, engaging and entertaining as possible for them is particularly valuable. "Sleep is just as important as diet and exercise. Improving sleep will improve the effects of all the other lifestyle changes we make. "The majority of health services don't focus on sleep health, yet sleep affects how we cope with a variety of conditions and illnesses."

Around Exeter area by area, the news down your street edited by Anne Byrne. Contribute by emailing Anne on abyrne@expressandecho.co.uk or give us a call on 01392 442233 Beacon Heath Celebration ON Thursday, July 17, there is to be a celebration to mark the 10th anniversary of the launch of Friends of Home-Start. There will be a tea party from 2pm to 4pm at 149 Beacon Lane, and the organisers would love to see anyone who has been involved with Home-Start in any way or is interested in this charity that supports families in their own homes. The Friends contribute financial support through membership fees and with fundraising events. First fete BEACON Heath is having its first ever Summer Fete on July 19, between noon and 3pm. Performing the opening ceremony will be the Deputy Lord Mayor Cllr Rob Newby. There will be entertainment, games, food and stalls. If you have a home made craft, activity or local group you would like to bring to the fete you can buy a table for £5. Please contact 01392 482557 for more information. Broadclyst Sports money THE votes are in and now the parish council and East Devon District Council know what residents would like in the way of new sports provision for the village. There was £11,800 in the kitty and more than 100 residents voted. The most popular project, which will receive £9,000, is for an outdoor gym, several pieces of traditional gym-style equipment suitable for outdoor use. Nearly half of all the votes cast were for this project. The second most popular project, which will also be funded, was for £1,000 to put two football sized goals into the recreation field in Broadclyst. These will create a full-sized pitch in the football season and will be moved to create a kick-about area the rest of the year. There is also enough money to pay for the third most popular project, a £1,250 scheme to improve the outside practice area at Broadclyst Cricket Club by levelling out the uneven surface that currently makes batting practice dangerous. The funding came from developers as part of planning agreements reached as a result of a number of housing developments in Broadclyst. Cllr Chris Pepper, chairman of the parish council, said: "Not all suggested projects met the criteria for this funding; the council will now look at how other gaps in formal sports provision which were highlighted during the initial consultation period can be addressed. Well done to all involved!" The two remaining projects that did not get enough support and so will not be funded with the £11,800 were: creating a spectator area and scoring area next to the pitch at Broadclyst Cricket Club at a cost of £1,200; installing sight screens at Broadclyst Cricket Club at a cost of £2,750. City centre Free pouches EXETER'S Lord Mayor Cllr Percy Prowse is also chairman of the Exeter Tidy Group and on Wednesday, July 16, he is to launch the handing out of free mini cigarette bins outside McGahey's in High Street. The bins, or rather pouches, are small re-usable envelopes lined with fireproof material, and which fit easily into a pocket or handbag. Funding for the project has come from the locality budgets of city councillors. Cllr Prowse said: "Our street cleaners tell us of the difficulty in picking up cigarette ends. It takes 10 years for one butt to degrade." Cllr Prowse added: "We are pleased to have received a small financial donation from McGahey's which will be used towards the prizes that the tidy group presents at the annual Sweepers' Lunch." The event this year will be held on Wednesday, October 15 and the guest of honour will be Karime Hassan, the city council's chief executive. Coffee morning THE Lord Mayor is holding his next monthly coffee morning in the Guildhall on Saturday, July 12, in aid of Exeter Leukaemia Fund, his charity for the year. Organisers say they have been promised a second visit by the Guildhall ukulele band during the morning. Cakes and savouries will be available and there will be some plants and books for sale. Canopy work WORK to replace the canopy over the entrance to Central Station in Queen Street is progressing. A spokesman for First Great Western said: "We are tendering for the work to be conducted. Once tenders have been returned and assessed we will be in a better position to put some dates and details forward." Improvements to the station were completed in December last year. Devon County Council had initially thought that a new canopy was unaffordable but the improvement scheme came in more than £100,000 under budget allowing for a new canopy. Free concerts ST Stephen's Church in High Street has moved its series of free lunch-time concerts from August to July. Each concert begins at 1.10pm and lasts until 2pm. ploughman's lunches are available from noon. The series begins on July 10 and the first features Andrew Daldorph and Chris Gradwell on piano and saxophone/clarinet playing Classics to Jazz. On July 17, it is the turn of the Exeter Singers, with Tony Yates conducting. On July 24 pianist John Shirley will feature. On July 31, performing will be Ruth Molins on flute and Dorothy Raven on piano. Busker support STAND up for Exeter's charity buskers! That's the call from Glenys and Trevor Jarman, of Newtown, after they witnessed an unsavoury incident outside Boots. A busker was singing music from the 1970s and 80s, using a microphone and sound system to keep the beat. Mrs Jarman said: "He was not doing this for personal gain, but rather to raise money for Macmillan nurses. "He was wearing the charity's T-shirt and fleece and had a Macmillan bucket for donations. "As I stood listening to him – he was very good – an oldish chap approached him and stood right in front of his face, shouting that the busker was miming. "He persisted with this and was telling people not to put any donations in the bucket. "I found this very upsetting. That other man was acting out of ignorance. "The singer was not miming, and I admired him for continuing to sing. "It is a pity that more people do not do more for charity. "I just hope the abusive chap never needs a Macmillan nurse." City-wide Skywards reach IS this the tallest "weed" in Exeter? Although this is a buddleia, so not strictly a weed, we are following the logic expressed in the poem by Iam Emberson –a weed is a flower in the wrong place. And this flower in the wrong place is growing through the paving at the junction of Sweetbrier Lane and Honiton Road. If anyone knows of a taller weed please get in touch! Trolley locks SUPERMARKET Morrisons is removing all trolley locks at its Prince Charles Road store in response to Exeter's customer feedback, which has called for quicker and easier shopping trips. A special trolley team has visited the store to change all the trolleys, removing the need to insert a £1 coin or token to release a trolley from its bay. Glen Allen, the store's general manager, said: "Our nation is getting busier and we have less free time than previous generations. "Customers in Exeter have told us that they want a quicker shop. The removal of trolley locks is just one of the many improvements we are making to our store – to make for a faster and easier shopping trip." Bus priority HIGHWAYS bosses are aiming to build bus priority provision for parts of the city. The aim is to ensure reliable bus journey times, making it a viable alternative to car travel. In addition to an improved real time bus information system in the city, a bus priority system linked to traffic signals in giving priority to late running bus services is planned at selected locations across the network. A decision is yet to be taken on precise locations and could be operational within the next few years. African vintage A PAIR of carved African ornaments has boosted donations at an Exeter charity shop. The ivory ornaments were handed in to the British Heart Foundation shop and sold on the charity's eBay store – bhf.org.uk/ebay They sold for £197 on the BHF eBay store. The ivory-style ornaments were carved in great detail and aroused the interest of 10 competitive bidders. Andrew Shaw, the charity's eBay manager, said: "It's amazing what people donate to BHF shops. "When staff spot high-value and unique items, they send them over to us and we list them on eBay. This means we not only get the best price for the rare and beautiful items, but that these objects are available to many more people than they would be if they were just sold in the shop they were donated to." Bishop Robert IN the days leading up to his installation at Exeter Cathedral, the new Bishop of Exeter, the Right Reverend Robert Atwell, undertook a prayer pilgrimage around the county and spent a morning with chaplains and prisoners at Exeter prison, as part of his prayer pilgrimage around the county. He described his time at the prison as a deeply moving experience. He said: "I met a whole group of men in their 20s, one of them asked me to pray for his partner, who was expecting their first child and was suffering from being apart. "I also spoke with a man who was on a ward on his own, dying. "It was very moving seeing how the chaplains were ministering to these men." He went on to walk through and explore the villages of Branscombe and Beer, including visiting Beer Church of England primary school, which has just celebrated earning an "outstanding" award in its Church inspection. He planted a cherry tree to mark the achievement, and was shown around the school by head Martin O'Mahony, chairman of governors Jean Smith, and children. The Rt Revd Robert Atwell is the 71st Bishop of Exeter. He is spent the days before the installation getting to know the diocese, listening to people's concerns and offering to pray for them. Go Kids Go CHARITY Go Kids Go is running a free wheelchair skills workshop in Exeter on Saturday, July 19. The workshop takes place from 10am to 3pm at St Peter's Church Of England Aided School in Quarry Lane and is open to all young wheelchair users throughout the region. Anyone wishing to attend should call Roy Wild on 01482 887163. Go Kids Go is a national charity that provides free training courses for young wheelchair users throughout the country. On the workshop one of the skills taught is back wheel balancing (so that the wheelchair users can go up and down kerbs independently) and there will also be games like wheelchair basketball and wheelchair dance. There will be extra wheelchairs so mums, dads and siblings can get involved and join in the games. GP Federation THE 16 GP practices across the city have banded together to form Exeter Primary Care Ltd. A GP provider organisation, owned by the practices, it will enable them to compete for any primary care services that the commissioners decide to put out to tender. This federation will be the only way for them to secure some contracts and thus protect general practice income streams. EPC will focus on the particular needs of Exeter patients, giving the practices greater ability to influence the development and delivery of local primary care provision and to work with other providers as and when appropriate, for example to bid for contracts that cross discipline or geographical boundaries. The executive board of EPC is made up of GPs and practice managers and Elizabeth Deasy, who has a NHS hospital management background, has been appointed chief executive. The chief medical officer is Dr Sally Ewings, of the Barnfield Hill practice. Wildlife garden CRICKLEPIT Mill, home of Devon Wildlife Trust, is to open up its wildlife garden to the public on Saturday, July 12, between 10am and 1pm. Those popping along to Commerical Road will be able to pick up some garden advice as well as enjoy a tour and take part in activities. Cricklepit Mill's wildlife garden is a volunteer-led project that has taken the garden from a derelict disused area into a space for people to relax, enjoy and learn from. Jasmine Atkinson, the trust's communications assistant has watched the wildlife garden spring to life this year. She said: "The volunteer team has worked hard to create a garden that is a place the public can enjoy and take inspiration from. "The Cricklepit garden is a tiny nature reserve in the heart of the city – an oasis for wildlife and people. "Cricklepit is usually open from Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm, so this Saturday open morning is the chance for visitors who may not be able to come in the week to discover the garden." Tours of the garden will be running throughout the morning and volunteers will be there to share ideas for wildlife friendly features that are easily achievable in all types of gardens. Activities for families on Saturday include garden trails, bug hunting and garden craft activities. Famine relief SING for the Starving is holding a concert on Sunday, July 13, to raise funds for famine relief. The concert will take place at Sidwell Street Methodist Church starting at 7pm. The concert will include a wide range of anthems and hymns. Refreshments will be available afterwards. There is no charge, but there will be a retiring collection. Library mural COMMUNITY News has learned that the county council and BT have yet to fix a time to discuss the possibility of a mural being painted on the wall of the BT telephone exchange which faces Exeter Central Library. A spokesman for BT said that they were waiting for the county council to get back to them with a date for the site visit. Partnership day WAITROSE Exeter held a partnership day celebration. There was special bunting in store which had been made by pupils at St Leonard's primary school, two partners, Kirsty Dean and Ryan Collacott (pictured) dressed in Edwardian clothing, and there was a clutch of local suppliers offering tastings on the day and explaining to customers what being a partner meant to them. Cranbrook Station news WORK is expected to begin on the construction of the new station in the autumn. The provision of the station was delayed when the original contractor pulled out. Network Rail is responsible for delivery of the platform works and had originally planned to appoint their preferred contractor in early January. The contractor however pulled out just before the contract was awarded. Network Rail then returned to its list of tenderers. The replacement contractor, Balfour Beatty, was formally appointed in early June and, according to a report to be presented to the Devon and Exeter Rail Project Working Party this week, it has engaged with Parsons Brinckerhoff on the design of the platform. Detailed design is expected to be carried out over the summer with construction starting in early autumn. Balfour Beatty's original programme was looking to have substantial completion (station ready to open but contract not completed) by December 2014; however, the delay in appointing the contractors means that it is likely to open in January 2015, so long as weather permits. The working party will also hear that Network Rail is looking at opportunities to streamline the programme to achieve an earlier opening. The surfacing/final landscaping of the car park will follow within six weeks of completion of the platform works; however, efforts are being taken to carry these works out concurrently with the final stages of the platform contract to minimise delay to overall completion. Heavitree Tree trail YOU are invited to be one of the first to walk the Higher Cemetery tree trail. A guided introductory walk will begin outside the cemetery chapel at 6.30pm on Tuesday, July 15. A free illustrated leaflet will be available to help identify 21 trees. Charges for the walk are visitors £3, Friends of Higher Cemetery £1.50, children, aged under 16, £1. Please note that children taking part must be accompanied by a responsible adult. The walk following the trail should take about one hour. Concert fun THE concert in the parish church last Saturday evening was such fun the organisers say they are planning another. The evening, with a 1940s theme, raised £370 to be split between Force Cancer Charity and the church. And, just before it takes a summer break, the parish church has another Sunday Night Lite service this Sunday at 6pm. The theme is Journey into Light and Trust. There will be no Sunday Night Lite during August but it will return in September. Newcourt Station news THE design and build contract has been awarded to Dyer & Butler and work is due to start on site this month for completion by December. Site clearance and reptile fencing has been established in advance of construction and the pedestrian footpath linking the station with Old Rydon Lane is nearly complete. The local community group has been involved in the longer term arrangements for adopting the station and caring for the surrounding soft landscaping. Centre open day ON Saturday, July 12, visitors will be able to check out what is the new Newcourt Community Centre at the Rydons, off Topsham Road. The centre will be open between 1pm and 4pm and those popping along will be able to enrol for local groups and classes which are planned to start at the centre in the near future. The organisers are promising lots of fun activities with Active Devon. There will be a bouncy castle, free hot dogs. There will also be a cake stall, a colouring and a design a garden competition and the award winning Digby and Newcourt Choir will be performing. There will also be a raffle and an auction. For more information and bookings call 01392 873560. Newtown Parking orders LOCAL councillors have had another meeting to discuss the plans to change parking arrangements in the Denmark Road area of the city. The proposals received wide support from residents but a few businesses made objections. Cllr Richard Westlake told Community News: "We have made a few amendments and these will now be discussed at the next meeting of Exeter highways committee which is to be held later this month. "If the committee agrees, the traffic orders will then be advertised, and people will then be able to have their final say, and provided everyone is happy then the orders will be signed and sealed." Pennsylvania Wild flowers IT has been decided to go ahead with the planting of wild flowers along the side of Prince Charles Road. The idea was first mooted by local councillor Percy Prowse, following complaints by residents that the grass on the left hand side of the road, going down towards Morrisons was uncut and left looking untidy. After Cllr Prowse floated the idea in Community News residents contacted him to say they thought it was a good idea and it has received enough support for it to be given the green light. Cllr Prowse said: "It will make the area more attractive as the grass cannot be cut until later in the year because of the daffodil bulbs which are growing also present." Pinhoe Chancel Lane COMMUNITY News heard from local residents that in previous years it was easier to see if there were vehicles about to cross Chancel Lane bridge because the vegetation used to be cut down. Colin and Joy Conibeer, who have lived in Chancel Lane for the past 30 years, believe that the road and bridge is an accident waiting to happen. They told Community News that the vegetation on both sides of the railway bridge used to be cut back – and cutting it back now would help drivers see if another vehicle was approaching from the other side. Mr Conibeer added: "It would also be better if they made the road one way, coming down from Harrington Lane. "At the moment it is a terrible rat run and although it has a speed limit of 20mph, cars go up here doing 40mph." Mrs Conibeer said: "It is an accident waiting to happen and it will be too late when someone is killed." Community News contacted the county council, as the highways authority and it, in turn, contacted Network Rail as the vegetation is actually its responsibility. A Devon County Council spokesman said: "This vegetation is the responsibility of Network Rail and our highways officers will contact them about cutting it back." Obviously no time was wasted as the vegetation has already been cut back which certainly makes it easier to see if a vehicle is coming from Venny Bridge as you approach from the Harrington Lane side of the railway. Local councillor Emma Morse said: "As a resident I am more than aware of the issues on Chancel Lane Bridge. "I have worked closely with the officers to continue the work started by Saxon Spence, and a plan has been drawn up to improve the safety of the bridge. "The necessary orders were advertised earlier this year but an objection was received. The orders will be debated at the next Exeter highways meeting and I hope that the outcome will see work begin to make the bridge safer." The spokesman for the county council added: "The progression of a scheme to improve pedestrian safety at Chancel Lane is due to be discussed at Exeter highways committee later this month." RD&E Hospital Off to Malawi PUPILS from St Peter's School in Exeter have recently collected a range of medical equipment from the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital destined for St Andrew's Hospital in rural Malawi (see main picture). Twenty-eight pupils will deliver five cages of equipment to St Andrew's during their 20-day annual expedition this month. Over the last 12 months the emergency department at the RD&E has been collecting out-of-date medical supplies that would otherwise be disposed of. The collection includes basic equipment like syringes, needles, gloves and catheters that are vitally needed but always in short supply at St Andrew's. James Moore from the Exeter Travel Health Clinic, and a former senior nurse in the ED, has helped identify equipment of most value to the Malawi hospital, having accompanied the St Peter's expedition himself in 2013. Dr Gavin Lloyd, consultant emergency physician, said: "It is an absolute pleasure to see the hospital salvage materials that benefit patients in Malawi. The emergency department has already begun collecting material for the 2015 expedition and hope to develop further links with the healthcare community there in future." Andrew Hubbard, assistant head teacher at St Peter's, explained: "For nine years the school has been able to offer students the opportunity to visit to southern Africa, on their annual expedition to Malawi. Statistically one of the poorest countries in the world, it is also one of the safest and friendliest countries in the continent." St David's Mouldy flats EXETER City Council has reassured residents living in Southgate and Watergate that plans to sort out their mouldy flats are in hand. As previously reported in Community News, the residents say that their flats have become mouldy after cavity wall insulation was installed. Resident Marian Snow told us that there is mould growing on the walls of her flat and that of fellow residents. Wardrobes are damp and clothes have turned white. Mrs Snow said: "The flats smell awful. The damp problem has been on-going since December last year." Now Mrs Snow has told Community News that a neighbour was told by the city council that nothing will be done until the end of the financial year next April. Mrs Snow said: " As you can imagine we are all disappointed and it is causing some great distress. It does seems rather unreasonable that we will have to live like this for another nine months." A spokesman for the city council said: "We will be taking a report to members in September seeking approval for additional funding to sort this problem out. "However, it is a major and very expensive project and we need to ensure we go through the proper process and have a clear grip on the extent of the works needed. "Unfortunately it isn't a quick fix." St Leonard's Cars scratched A NUMBER of cars have been vandalised in East Grove Road and St Leonard's Road. PCSO Nic Unsworth, part of the neighbourhood policing team, told Community News that the cars were scratched between 8pm on Friday, June 27 and 11am on Saturday, June 28. He said: "I have seen cars which have been keyed before and that is usually when someone has taken a bunch of keys and scratched the paintwork so that it leaves several marks like fingernails. "This is a single straight line so that it looks as if it could have been done by a diamond ring. It is totally malicious. "We would like to hear from anyone who saw anything and also from other car owners who have suffered similar damage as we want to know if the damage started further afield. "If you think you may be able to help in any way in our investigation of this incident which may lead to the identification of an offender please phone 101 quoting reference number CR/85375/14." West Exe Cop cards YOUNGSTERS west of the river are about to go sticker-crazy – and it is all the fault of the police. To encourage youngsters to engage with the police, the local beat officers have come up with the idea of a sticker album. There are 26 stickers to collect in all – so-called cop cards – for pupils in Years 4 and 5. Stickers will be awarded when the youngsters answer questions from their local neighbourhood beat officers – for example, who is your local PCSO – and they have until now and the end of December to complete their album. And to make the task easier the local officers will be organising flash sticker events which they will be advertising on Facebook and Twitter. The names of those who complete their album will be put into a prize draw so they will have the chance of winning a family friendly prize which has been donated by local businesses. The prize draw will be held in January next year. Wonford Bad parking PARKING problems are continuing on the junction of Magnolia Avenue. Local councillor Marcel Choules is therefore appealing again to drivers not to park on the junction as it means that on occasion bins cannot be collected. Cllr Choules said: "Residents are really fed up with the situation. It is bad enough bin lorries not being able to get access but what happens if it is a fire engine or ambulance?" Residents only FURTHER problems are being caused in Magnolia Avenue itself, according to Cllr Choules, because residents-only parking signs are in the wrong place. Cllr Choules explained: "The signs can't be seen because they are in the middle of bushes. I have brought the matter up with both the housing association and the city council and the good news is that the signs are to be moved." Don't forget! AS we mentioned last week Wonford Fair is being held on Saturday, July 12 – fun for all the family between 11am and 2pm in the fields behind the community centre.

A new discovery will make it possible to create pixels just a few hundred nanometres across that could pave the way for extremely high-resolution and low-energy thin, flexible displays for applications such as 'smart' glasses, synthetic retinas, and foldable screens. They look like works of art or poster prints but there is more to these images than meets the naked eye – as each of them is smaller than the width of a human hair. Scientists, including a team at the University of Exeter, created them using a new imaging technique which could pave the way to ultra-thin flexible displays. A tiny current was used to "draw" the pictures within an optical sandwich containing a "phase changing" material that can switch from a flowing to a crystalline state. Professor David Wright, from the University of Exeter which worked with scientists at Oxford University, said that the team found that by sandwiching a seven nanometre thick layer of phase change material (GST), between two layers of transparent electrode they could use a small current to draw images within the sandwich stack. Professor Wright said: "Along with many other researchers around the world we have been looking into the use of these GST materials for memory applications for many years". "But no one before thought of combining their electrical and optical functionality to provide entirely new kinds of non-volatile, high-resolution, electronic colour displays - so our work is a real breakthrough". The system relies on "nano-pixels" just 300 nanometres across that can be electrically turned on or off to create the mosaic of coloured dots that make up the images. Professor Harish Bhaskaran, formerly of Exeter and now part of Oxford University's Department of Materials and who led the research, said: "Because the layers that make up our devices can be deposited as thin films they can be incorporated into very thin flexible materials. "We already demonstrated that the technique works on flexible Mylar sheets around 200 nanometres thick. This makes them potentially useful for 'smart' glasses, foldable screens, windshield displays, and even synthetic retinas that mimic the abilities of photoreceptor cells in the human eye." The scientists have filed a patent on the invention with the help of the university's technology commercialisation company, Isis Innovation . A description of the technology appears in the journal Nature. Dr Peiman Hosseini, from Oxford University's Department of Materials, said: "We can tune our prototype 'pixels' to create any colour we want – including the primary colours needed for a display. "One of the advantages of our design is that, unlike most conventional LCD screens, there would be no need to constantly refresh all pixels. You would only have to refresh those pixels that actually change. This means that any display based on this technology would have extremely low energy consumption."

STUDENT accommodation provider Vita Student has announced that all 156 studio apartments at its Portland House residence on Longbrook Street have already been reserved ahead of the 2014/2015 academic year. All the residents set to move into Portland House in September study at Exeter University, with 30 per cent coming from the UK while the rest are from overseas – predominantly South East Asia and Europe. Laura Wood, student lettings manager from Vita Student Management, said: "The Vita Student accommodation is the perfect environment for students to live and learn in, and the rate at which Portland House has been booked is proof of the level of requirement there is in Exeter. "Achieving full occupancy so early on in the first year of operation is a fantastic achievement and we're confident that this will be the case year-after-year. We really looking forward to the residency being completed in September and welcoming all the new tenants from overseas and the UK." With Exeter University named as The Sunday Times' University of the Year in 2012 student numbers in the city have been steadily increasing, attracted by the academic reputation of the university and dynamic city-centre culture. It is this growing population that prompted Vita Student to choose the city as a location for a development. The development is on track to be completed in time for the upcoming academic year. Once finished it will boast 156 studio apartments as well as a large communal student 'hub' which includes relaxation, study and social areas. Other features for students include a dedicated mobile app that aids social interaction between residents, as well as providing another line of communication with Vita Student Management. The app, a first in the UK student market, also features a live feed to the laundry facility so students know when their washing is ready.

ON Friday, June 27, I held the first of what I hope to be many East Devon Jobs and Apprenticeship Fairs. The fair, held at the Honiton Community College with support from the Jobcentre Plus and the National Apprenticeship Service, was intended to help school leavers and job seekers find work and get careers advice to give young people the experience and skills they need to enter the workplace. With more than 100 young people attending the fair looking for job and training opportunities, I think it was a huge success. I was also honoured to have been asked by Army Careers Advisor Major Arthur Norman-Walker to present the Imperial Service Medal to Sylvia Pearce at the Jobs Fair for her 29-year service with the Ministry of Defence, and particularly with the Armed Forces Careers Office. The Imperial Service Medal is presented to selected civil servants who complete 25-year service upon their retirement and I wish her all the best for the future. We are lucky in Devon to have one of the country's lowest unemployment levels and even this is falling. Devon has one of the fastest growing economies in the UK with the county worth more than £19bn and is the largest in South West England. However, there are still people looking for jobs and too many young people from the Westcountry move away to find their fortunes elsewhere. To stop this "brain drain" We need to show that Devon is a dynamic business environment with many great opportunities for young people. I have met many innovative businesses in Devon who are crying out for young talent and I hope that jobs fairs like this one this one will provide opportunities for both employers and those seeking work. I hope the Jobs Fair shows that Devon is open for business and open for jobs. With so many innovative businesses I believe that young people have a bright future here in Devon and whether it is through getting a job, volunteering with a charity or doing an apprenticeship they will have the skills and confidence to have a fulfilling career. I would like to thank and the businesses, the local councils and charities who agreed to take part and I would especially like to thank Honiton Community College for hosting the fair and Principal Glenn Smith for his support. Last week, on Tuesday, July 1, I hosted a briefing in Parliament with Commander Stephen Head, National Coordinator for Economic Crime. I requested the Commander meet with MPs after I had been contacted by a number of constituents who have raised concerns with me about fraudulent websites, particularly those posing as official government websites. Commander Head has had responsibility for ActionFraud since April 2014, which was established as a national body with the City of London Police so that all cyber and economic crime could be recorded nationally to identify particular trends and patterns, something that if it was only reported locally would just not be possible. There have been concerns in the past that ActionFraud wasn't being run by the police and that victims of crime had little faith in the reporting system. Having received complaints from constituents about this in the past I was keen to press the Commander on what he is doing to improve the reporting of online fraud. Commander Head assured me that he and his team were putting a new system in place and are improving the service offered to victims. After this meeting I believe that these new arrangement will help us tackle cybercrime. Government figures indicate that around 79 to 80 per cent of individuals and 93 per cent of businesses are affected by cybercrime, which costs £28bn. In 2013, there were 40,000 reports of fraud, including cybercrime, which is a rise of 81 percent from the previous year. Although crime stats are now the lowest since records began, cybercrime has increased dramatically. Due to the improvements in technology, criminal gangs no longer need to be computer literate to take advantage of this technology and carry out online fraud. If you have been a victim of fraud then you can report it to ActionFraud online at www.actionfraud.police.uk or by calling 0300 123 2040. If you do not want to report your crime online then you can do it through a third party like your local Member of Parliament so please do get in touch if you think I can help.

Gareth Lewis, @ 38, of no fixed abode, admitted being drunk in a highway at Fore Street, Exeter, on April 30. He was fined £50 and must pay a £20 victim surcharge. Colin Smith, @ 34, of New North Road, Exeter, pleaded guilty to possession of 0.812g of diamorphine on September 14, 2013. He was given a three month conditional discharge and must pay a £15 victim surcharge. Christopher Goodman,@ 18, c/o Willow Way, Exeter, admitted criminal damage of a wing mirror on February 6. He also pleaded guilty to possession of an offensive weapon, namely a kitchen knife, at St Albans Close, Exeter, on February 20. He admitted two further charges on May 7 of causing two victims harassment, alarm or distress and sending a message that was grossly offensive or of an indecent, obscene or menacing character. He admitted a final charge of sending threatening text messages on April 27. He was jailed for a total of 12 weeks suspended for 12 months and made the subject of a restraining order. Magistrates said the reason for custody was possession of a bladed article in a public place and the effect on the victim. Ethan Joyce, @ 20, of Exhibition Road, Crediton, stole 100 litres of diesel worth £100 belonging to South West Highways. He was given a 12-month exclusion order from Well Parks, Crediton, and must attend several sessions. He must also pay a £60 victim surcharge. Jemma Rose, @ 33, of St Davids Hill, Exeter, has been jailed after stealing three bottles of Kirsh from Waitrose on June 5. Magistrates gave her a six-week prison sentence because of her previous convictions for identical offences and she has just been released from prison. Grenville Allder, @ 61, of Elmfield, Cheriton Bishop, was found guilty of failing to stop at the scene of an accident at the St Thomas Shopping Centre car park in Exeter on December 12, 2013. He was ordered to pay fines, costs and a victim surcharge totalling £1,215. His licence was endorsed with five penalty points. Krystian Kolbuszewski, @ 32, of Smythen Street, Exeter, stole a bottle of wine from Co-op in Sidwell Street on April 8. He was jailed for a total of 18 weeks. Magistrates said this was because he committed the offence while on a community order and he had a long record of failing to comply with court orders. John Fairer, @ 28, of Ludwell Lane, Exeter, stole a £200 necklace from Erin Cox jewellery in Exeter on January 6. On May 13, jointly with another, he stole a laptop, a safe containing £787.01, a till containing £80 and music CDs from Let's Do Cafe in Exeter. He also admitted stealing a pedal cycle between May 11 and May 13 in Exeter. He was sentenced to 32 weeks in prison, suspended for 24 months. Magistrates said this was because of the seriousness of the offences and in light of the defendant's record for similar offences and breaches of court orders. He was also ordered to pay £300 compensation and attend drug rehabilitation. Richard Eddy, @ 54, of Mount Pleasant Road, Exeter, pleaded guilty to stealing a £279 bag from John Lewis in Exeter on June 8. He also admitted stealing a packet of batteries from Boots on May 31. He was jailed for seven days but magistrates also activated a 20-day suspended sentence for a previous offence. Hilary Arnot, @ 57, of Home Farm House, Feniton, pleaded guilty to driving without due care and attention on the old A30 London Road on Fairmile on January 23. She was fined £215 and must pay £85 costs and a £21 victim surcharge. His licence was endorsed with five penalty points. Charlotte Coffey, @ 28, of St David's Hill, Exeter, admitted stealing a Blackberry mobile phone worth £225 in Tiverton between October 4, 2013, and October 6, 2013. She was given a three-month conditional discharge and must pay £85 costs and a £15 victim surcharge. Ezra Rice, @ 21, of Hulham Road, Exmouth, admitted being drunk and disorderly at St Andrews Road, Exmouth, on March 2. He was fined £50 and must pay £50 costs and a £20 victim surcharge. Jordan Somerton,@ 20, of Ashley Court, Chawleigh, admitted staling a Zanussi washer and dryer machine from a flat in Tiverton between January 23 and April 7. He must pay £450 compensation. Waeil Korashi, @ 35, of Augustus House, Exeter, pleaded guilty to drink-driving. He was stopped on Rydon Lane in Exeter and gave a reading of 67mg of alcohol in 100ml of breath. He was fined £300 and must pay £85 costs and a £30 victim surcharge. He was also banned from driving for 16 months. Kimberley Eccleshare, @ 29, of Chapel Street, Tiverton admitted stealing a razor worth £19.99 from Boots in Tiverton on March 5. She was given a six-month conditional discharge and must pay £100 in costs and a victim surcharge. Michael Pring, @ 27, of Hamlin Gardens, Exeter, admitted being drunk and disorderly on York Road in Exeter on May 20. He must pay fines, costs and a victim surcharge totalling £120. Dominic Webb, @ 26, of Giblands Park, Okehampton has admitted drink driving on May 22. He was banned from driving for three years and must pay fines, costs and a victim surcharge totalling £305. Stephen Bailey,@ 29, of Richmond Road, Exeter, pleaded guilty to drink driving after being stopped on May 24. He gave a reading of 75mg of alcohol in 100ml of breath. He was banned for 16 months and ordered to pay £415 in a fines, costs and a victim surcharge. Paddy Sharpe,@ 21, of Brimpenny Road, Exmouth, has admitted theft of a vehicle, driving without the proper licence and insurance and drink-driving. All the offences occurred in Hartopp Road in Exmouth on May 24. He was banned from driving for three years and ordered to pay fines, costs and a victim surcharge totalling £415. Frank Scriven, @ 65, of Dinham Crescent, Exeter, pleaded guilty to failing provide a breath specimen when he was stopped in his car. He was fined £550 and must pay £200 costs and a £55 victim surcharge. He was banned from driving for 18 months. Benjamin Cornish, @ 23, of Old Quarry Drive, Exminster, was found guilty of assaulting a female victim by beating during an incident in Exeter on March 2. He was given a 12-month conditional discharge and must pay £150 costs and a £15 victim surcharge.

David Wheeler has praised the work ethic of his Exeter City teammates as they prepare for their first pre-season game against Reading. Wheeler, who joined the Grecians last summer from non-league Staines Town, has been impressed with the fitness levels in the squad and is optimistic about City's chances for the new campaign. "It seems like there is quite a strong work ethic this season," said Wheeler, who has a degree in sports science from Brunel University. "All the guys are pushing themselves. I think people are being quite conscientious and doing extra training off their own back. "I'm sure that will pay dividends over the course of the season." Wheeler, who played 38 times for the Grecians last campaign, quickly established himself as a fans' favourite since his transfer last August. He signed for City two days before the start of the 2013/14 season having spent a month on trial at the club. Having got a year under his belt as a League Two footballer, Wheeler admits he feels more confident going into the new campaign. It is the same for many of the other players in the squad, with the likes of Tom Nichols, Matt Grimes and Jordan Moore-Taylor all improving massively in the last 12 months. "I think a lot of the players from last season are a lot more competent and self-assured now than what they were in the first few games that they came into the team," said Wheeler. "Obviously for me it was a big jump, but I definitely feel more confident now in my own ability to compete in League Two. "It might not be the worst thing for us as well that the team has not changed a whole lot. It is still the same personnel that ended last season. I think that can often help in some ways." City's pre-season fixtures start on Tuesday when they face Reading at St James's Park. They then travel to Brazil where matches against Fluminense and Tupi have been arranged. They arrive back in England on July 27 and will then face matches against Premier League side Swansea City and Torquay United at home before the season kicks-off on August 9 against Portsmouth. It is a tough schedule and one which Wheeler thinks will stand the Grecians in good stead for the start of the season. "It will get us in good shape for the new season," said Wheeler. "The teams we are playing are tough. We played some good teams last season, but the standard on the average has gone up for this summer. "We are going to have to play at our best to compete with some of these players. However, that is a really good test and really good practice for us playing in the League Two fixtures and the match against Bournemouth, in the League Cup, which we have got coming up in the first two weeks of the season." Speaking about the trip to Brazil, Wheeler added: "It is an incredible thing to be part of, playing almost 100 years to the day from the first time Exeter City played Brazil. "I have always wanted to go to Brazil anyway so it is kind of two birds with one stone for me especially getting to play the Brazilians."

THE mother of a 12-year-old Exeter girl who died after falling from a wall has spoken out after a fraud probe was launched over a fundraising campaign set up in her memory. Police have confirmed they are investigating allegations in connection with an online appeal to raise money for a memorial for tragic Nicole Hartup following her death in May. Nicole, a pupil at Isca College, died from suspected head injuries hours after falling from a wall at the Phoenix Youth Club in Burnthouse Lane. Her death shocked the community around Wonford and residents quickly raised £820 on a page set up on the site GoFundMe. The introduction on the page said all money would be passed straight to Nicole's parents to pay for a memorial plaque or bench. But this week the family was advised by police to freeze the account. The page has now been removed and police have now launched a fraud investigation. News of the probe prompted an angry response from the community. But Nicole's mum Wendy Hartup has issued a public appeal for restraint by members of the public to allow police to carry out their investigation. In comments posted on Facebook she pleaded with the public not to make threats against any alleged offender. In addition she has also urged anyone who made a donation to the page to report it to Action Fraud – the national body set up to deal with fraud investigations. Exeter CID are also looking into the allegations after receiving several reports over the weekend. A spokesman for Devon and Cornwall Police said: "We can confirm we are investigating an allegation of fraud in relation to the Nicole Hartup fund set up on the internet. The investigation is at an early stage and enquires are ongoing." No arrests have yet been made and no one has been charged. Another relative of Nicole, Adrian Skeet, added: "All we can do at this moment in time is to let the police do their investigations. We are sorry to have to tell you all this sad news." Shortly after Nicole's death, hundreds of family, friends and neighbours descended on Wonford Playing Fields to pay their respects. Her grandfather Keith Hartup told the Echo at the time: "We are all amazed at the response which has been overwhelming. I speak on behalf of the family, the grandparents, grandchildren, cousins, nieces, the entire family, when I say thank you. "The support of the community has been wonderful at this difficult time."

Police and coastguard crews were called to Topsham yesterday evening after a disabled woman disappeared while swimming in the River Exe. Emergency services were called to the scene at 7:15pm after reports from the public that a wheelchair bound, young female was seen entering the water from a small slipway at Topsham but then disappeared. Coastguard Rescue Helicopter 106 from Portland and Police Helicopter MPAS44 were also tasked to assist in the search. Since it had been reported that the woman had left her wheelchair at the slipway in Topsham, had entered the water fully clothed to take a swim and had disappeared, two boats were sent to assist Devon and Cornwall police with the rescue. The casualty was eventually located after being in the water for 45 minutes a mile down river adjacent to an area known as Riversmeet. She was recovered, still in a conscious state, to a pontoon in Topsham where a Paramedic arrived shortly afterwards. The 22 year old woman was checked over and was taken to Royal Devon and Exeter hospital as a precaution by ambulance, as she was very cold.

Henry Slade is setting his sights on more game time at both club and international level during the forthcoming season. The 21-year-old fly-half made 18 Premiership appearances last term, starting seven of the Chiefs' last 10 games. His club form saw him feature in England's non-cap 39-22 defeat to the Barbarians alongside clubmates Sam Hill and Dave Ewers at Twickenham in June. The trio have now returned to pre-season training with the rest of the squad, and Slade says pushing long-standing No. 10 Gareth Steenson for a starting berth is the key for more days out with the Red Rose. "Last season I spent a lot of time on the bench. Steeno had a great season and is one of the best at the club," said the Plymouth-born back. "But if I can keep pushing him, get some regular game time and hopefully keep training with England too then that would be something I would love to do. "It was an awesome experience to be with England. To go and train with all the senior players and coaching staff was massive. "I really enjoyed it, particularly with a few of the other boys from Exeter also picked. Playing some of the world-class players who were in the Barbarians side was amazing and brought the best out of me really. "It was good to play against so many players you have grown up watching and seen on TV so many times." Slade impressed as part of a youthful England set-up against the Baa-Baas, bagging a try as part of a 15-point haul. It also allowed him to get up close and personal with destructive Kiwi back Rene Ranger, with two particularly hefty collisions leaving Slade with nine stitches and a black eye. Clips of the tackles are now doing the rounds on YouTube, but Slade insists there were no hard feelings after the match. "During the game it doesn't hurt as much as you think, but looking back on it now, it looks pretty bad," Slade conceded. "I got a few stitches for it but he is a top bloke. I had a chat and shook his hand after the match and that is the great thing about rugby. "To represent your country and play against those big, strong boys was fantastic. It was a really tough match but I enjoyed it." Switching his attentions to pre-season training, Slade – who made his Premiership bow in April 2013 against London Irish – praised the impact of Exeter Chiefs' summer recruits. The likes of Tomas Francis, Elvis Taione, Adam Hughes and Mitch Lees have all been having their first taste of the Chiefs' pre-season techniques. But Slade also feels that the input of the new players can act as a breath of fresh air to the squad's current methods. Slade said: "It's good to be back. It is obviously a pretty short turnaround for some of us boys but it's nice to be back with the lads. "I think the new guys who have come in have slotted in pretty well, blended well with everyone and it seems a happy squad. "Having the new guys puts a fresh perspective on things and hopefully we can use that. "They bring a different perspective to rugby and hopefully we can use their systems and other good ideas to make us better." See Henry Slade and Rene Ranger collide in the England v Barbarians game here:

An American visitor has appeared at Exeter Crown Court over the alleged grooming of a 14-year-old runaway. David Telles, aged 38, is facing charges after being arrested at a hotel in Exeter last month in connection with alleged sexual offences against the girl from Cornwall. Telles, of Trenton Circle, Pleasanton, California, spoke only to confirm his name as he sat in the dock at Exeter Crown Court for a preliminary hearing. Miss Janice Eagles, prosecuting, said inquiries are continuing into the case so the indictment which Telles will face has not been finalised. Mr Joss Ticehurst, defending, said it is not possible for Telles to set out his position until he knows what charges he will face. The case was adjourned to a plea and case management hearing in September and a provisional trial date fixed for December. Telles was remanded in custody.

Exeter City's trips to face Newport County AFC and Accrington Stanley in November have both been rearranged. The trip to Rodney Parade has been set back 24 hours, meaning Newport will now host the Grecians on Sunday, November 16 at 3pm. City's trip to the Crown Ground a fortnight later has been brought forward to the previous evening, so Exeter now kick-off with Accrington on Friday, November 28 at 7pm. Finally, the Grecians' trip to the Globe Arena to meet Morecambe – which was rearranged recently to take place on Sunday 26th October – has been confirmed as a 1pm kick-off.

Germany go into the final against Argentina on Sunday looking to win their fourth World Cup. Argentina on the other hand are looking to win their third World Cup in their bitter rivals back garden. Looking at the two teams respective performance's you would think Germany have the better chance of lifting the trophy at the end of the game. Sky Bet will be offering good odds of 13/10 for a German win, whilst Argentinian are priced at 23/10. William Hill will be offering odds of 4/6 for a German win and 6/5 for Argentinian win. In terms of first goalscorer both Sky Bet and William Hill will be offering odds for Thomas Muller at 9/2. Muller has already scored five goals in this tournament and needs just two more to overtake James Rodriguez in the Golden Boot standings. For both Muller and Lionel Messi to score anytime in the game the odds are 5/1 at William Hill.

Exeter City have one of the most expensive ticket prices for League Two fixtures. The Express & Echo researched the most expensive adult tickets for a matchday game at each of the 24 League Two clubs and City came out top of list at £30. That is the price an adult fan would have to pay to sit in the WTS Stand premium section on a matchday if he or she hadn't purchased a ticket in advance. However, City's other matchday prices, of £25 for the Stagecoach Family Stand and £29 for the WTS Stand non-premium section, are a few pound dearer than other League Two clubs. The price to get into Bury's Gigg Lane is £15 for an adult regardless of which stand you go in. That is £1 cheaper than the most affordable ticket at St James's Park, which is made even more remarkable when you consider the Shakers are widely tipped to be battling for promotion this season. Portsmouth, are another one of the favourites for the League Two title this season and they offer adult prices at £20 for anywhere in their ground, while recently relegated Tranmere Rovers charge £18 to get into their main stand. Some might argue that geography comes into ticket prices and it is not a surprise to see a club in the South West charging more for their tickets than others in the north of England. However Plymouth Argyle, at £22 for their most expensive adult matchday ticket, and Cheltenham Town (£21) are considerable cheaper than City. City's cheapest adult ticket, £16 for the Thatchers Big Bank if you buy in advance, is good value though when compared with other League Two prices. A full list of adult prices, with the most expensive adult matchday price first and the cheapest price second, is listed below: Exeter City: £30, £16York City: £21, £18Wycombe Wanderers: £25, £15Tranmere Rovers: £18, £15Stevenage: £24, £15Southend United: £21, £19 Shrewsbury: £25, £20Portsmouth: £20, £20Plymouth Argyle: £22, £20Oxford United: £23, £17Northampton Town: £22, £19Newport County: £20, £15Morecambe: £21, £16Mansfield Town: £22, £20Hartlepool United: £25, £20Dagenham & Redbridge: £21, £18Cheltenham Town: £21, £16Carlisle United: £22, £16Bury: £15, £15.Burton Albion: £18, £15.Accrington Stanley: £20, £20AFC Wimbledon: £22, £16

THE owner of the Hole in the Wall has praised the bravery of firefighters for saving the pub and has vowed to try to re-open within six months. George Sloan said he was "absolutely devastated" to see the huge scale of the damage following last month's fire. While putting a time scale on reopening the popular venue in Little Castle Street was difficult, Mr Sloan said he was forever in-debt to the firefighters for "aggressively" tackling the blaze from the inside and leaving him with something to salvage. He said: "They made a decision to go inside and tackle it at its height despite an element of great danger. "They showed incredible bravery by aggressively fighting it in full darkness in a building full of smoke. "Had it not been for their actions there is no doubt there would be no pub there at all. The whole building would have gone. "As it is, the damage is bad, but it is all repairable. That is purely down to the fire brigade and we can not thank them enough." Investigations have now concluded the fire was accidental. The venue is currently locked up pending an asbestos report but contractors are set to go in over the next few days to offer quotes on the repair bill. Some of the steelwork at the back of the building is affected and looks like it might need to be replaced. "I would love to say we will be reopen in three months but I know that is not realistic," added Mr Sloan. "I would hope that we can be up and running within six months. "I was absolutely devastated when I saw the damage. It is extensive towards the rear of the building and there is a lot of smoke damage." Mr Sloan and his business partner Robert Skinner spent a year working on the pub giving it a major refurbishment and it had become established as "the rugby pub" in Exeter. Its popularity also saw it crowned the Express and Echo pub of the year, voted for by the public. "At the moment we don't know what contents can be saved. We spent a year lovingly restoring it. It had antique lighting, posters, rugby memorabilia. It was all terribly damaged," he said. "I was in bits seeing it all. I found it very difficult having spent so long creating that and winning the Echo pub of the year, and walking through all that debris, water, ash and smoke damage was terrible. Mr Sloan said that with the rugby season kicking off in September he hoped to show the games in Timepiece until the Hole in the Wall reopens.