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Meet the woman who goes to work dressed as Disney characters

August 19, 2014, 2:30 am
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A self-confessed Disney fanatic is so obsessed she spends her evenings and weekends dressed as a full-time fairy tale princess.

Emma Kirby, 24, dresses as Rapunzel, Tinkerbell, Sleeping Beauty or Queen Elsa from Disney's newest hit Frozen.

The events assistant no closet fan either and goes about her everyday 'out of work life' in full costume.

She recently brought a train to a standstill when an excited child spotted her and shouted "Queen Elsa" before encouraging the whole carriage to sing the epic ballad 'Let It Go'.

Cute Emma, who lives with boyfriend and Prince Charming Jazz Jones, 32, in Battersea, London, spends thousands of pounds on outfits and accessories to make herself look just like well-known Disney characters.

She said: "I live in a fairy tale world most of the time and I love it.

"It's great to feel so magical and special and ever since I was a little girl, I've wanted to be a princess when I grow up.

"I get a lot of funny looks from people but kids always come and say hello and wave at me. It's adorable.

"I'm just such a happy person so I love making the children happy. It's a form of escapism for me and the children genuinely believe I'm from a Disney film.

"I just want to give these children amazing memories. I love all the Disney story lines and even at my age I am still in love with all the films."

Emma's love for all things Disney first began aged just three-years-old when she went on a holiday to Disney World, Florida, with her family.

"It all seemed so magical and since then I've wondered why people would live in the real world when they can live in a fairy tale," she added.

Despite working in events Emma has recently set up her own business, 'Once Upon A Time Parties London', to make all her childhood dreams come true and is set to go full time next month.

She earns up to £170 every two hours and sings songs from Disney films, plays musical instruments and acts the perfect princess for groups of us to 30 children.

Her diary is so full of bookings Emma even admits she spends so much time pretending, Frozen's Queen Elsa has become her alter-ego.

She splashes out more than £1,500 on handmade outfits to magic herself into jaw-dropping princesses, including Beauty and the Beast's Bell, and Sleeping Beauty's Aurora.

And the princess even has her own Prince Charming in the form of partner of three years, Jazz.

The couple often snuggle up on the sofa and watch their favourite childhood films, although Emma confessed she struggles to get the policeman into his own costume.

"I am so lucky because Jazz loves Disney too. He's always telling me how proud of me he is and he thinks what I do is great.

"He showers me with compliments and says I look really pretty in the costumes. He really is my Prince Charming, although I'm not sure I could get him into a costume!"

She added: "A child once tripped over something because she was looking at me. She started crying and to cheer her up I gave her my princess tiara."

Meet the woman who goes to work dressed as Disney characters

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Exmouth v Exeter Chiefs: Match preview

August 19, 2014, 2:41 am
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Sireli Naqelevuki will get another chance to impress in the back row as an Exeter Chiefs academy side take on Exmouth this evening. Naqelevuki, who normally plays in the centre, was given his first chance to impress on the flank when he helped the academy side to a 24-0 win over Redruth last week with a try-scoring performance. The match against Exmouth will see the Fijian international line-up against his former Chiefs teammate Chris Bentley. Naqelevuki will be joined in the academy side by Jerry Sexton, the younger brother of Ireland fly-half Jonathan. Jerry is currently on trial at the Chiefs, having failed to agree a new deal at French Pro D2 side Auch. Exmouth, who were relegated from National Two South last season, have named a strong side for the match, which will include new signings Ollie Rice, Jack Pyne, Isaac Dalton, Ollie Cave and Ben Hawley. The match at Exmouth's Imperial Ground kicks-off at 6.45pm. Exeter Chiefs: Dan Pullinger, Paul David, Jack Stanley; Edward Holmes, Jerry Sexton; Sireli Naqelevuki, Harry Ledger, Sam Skinner; Jack Maunder, Charlie Wicks; Alex Webb, Tom Holdsworth, Ted Landry, Jack Faulkner; Adam Worth. Replacements: Billy Keast, Jack Innard, George Beal, Ben King, Jack Oultan/Sam Waltier, Aaron Struminski, Noah Sixton, Alex Wilcockson, Freddy Gabbitas Exmouth: George Savage, Tom Emery, Isaac Dalton, Jack Fahy, Chris Bentley, James Harris, Dave Bargent (capt), Ben Hawley, Garry Hooper, George Meadows, Richard Bright, Ali Hill, Andrew Powell, Matt Ryan, Oli Rice. Replacements: Matt Harris, Jack Madge, Stu Lowe, Jack Pyne, Jack Rouse, Lloyd Watkins, Rob Avery-Wright, Mark Wathes, Oli Cave, Rich Cadywould, Brad Cooke Watch Sireli Naqelevuki score a try against the Lions in 2009.

Exmouth v Exeter Chiefs: Match preview

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Work to start on new Exeter Airport link road

August 19, 2014, 3:23 am
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Work to upgrade the access road to Exeter International Airport is due to start on Tuesday (26 August)and be finished by next spring. The £1.4 million scheme will increase the width of the B3184, improving the link from the A30 to Exeter Airport and the nearby Exeter Airport Business Park. The current narrow width of the road causes traffic congestion, particularly for larger vehicles and HGVs. Widening the existing layout will improve traffic visibility and increase safety for road users. It will also support growth of the airport and would enable the road to cope with any increase in vehicles. Matt Roach, Exeter Airport's Managing Director, said: "We very much welcome this improvement to the main route serving the airport. While we already enjoy excellent dual carriageway connectivity to the A30 junction, this last section of road to the airport has long been in need of improvement and is not befitting of an approach to an international airport. "This scheme of work will result in a wider, higher quality approach road and will give our passengers a real sense of arrival at what is the gateway to the South West peninsula." Two way traffic lights will be in operation during the first phase of the project until mid-October, and this will then be followed by the use of three-way lights. Overnight road closures will be required at some stage during the scheme but these are yet to be scheduled. The scheme is being funded by the Business Innovation and Skills (BIS) Regional Growth Fund. The access junction to the airport will also be upgraded. The existing pedestrian and cycle crossing will be maintained The work will be carried out by contractor SWH Ltd and is expected to be completed in the spring.
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Zoo keeper gives seal pup gets swimming lessons

August 19, 2014, 3:33 am
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Zoo keepers at Living Coasts in Torquay are teaching a tiny seal pup how to swim.

She had to be hand reared because her mother Grace was unable to produce milk. Now, keeper Libor Mach has taken to the water to give her swimming lessons.

But how do you teach a seal pup to swim? Living Coasts' Clare Rugg explained: "In the wild the mother would simply take them into the water and keep them afloat until they got the hang of it. So we have to do pretty much the same!

"She has a natural instinct but needs Libor, her surrogate mother, for confidence. She can't get in or out of the water by herself yet, she does doggy paddle and blows bubbles and every so often she gets a little nervous and heads back to the shore!"

Living Coasts, a registered charity, is auctioning the right to name the pup on eBay to raise money for conservation. You can bid by going to http://bit.ly/seal-pup. Bidding closes on 26th July.

Meanwhile, Sainsburys in Paignton are donating 300ml of double cream every day to help feed her. South American fur seal Grace gave birth early on the morning of Tuesday 3rd June. For more information go to www.livingcoasts.org.uk or ring 0844 474 3366.

Zoo keeper gives seal pup gets swimming lessons

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54 people escape as coach heading towards Devon crashes on M5

August 19, 2014, 3:37 am
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A coach carrying 54 people southbound towards Devon has left the M5 and crashed into a ditch. The incident happened this morning just before 10am, near Stroud, Gloucestershire. Four people have minor injuries and the road is blocked. The driver has been injured while a passenger has neck injuries. The coach crashed at junction 13/14 of the M5 southbound. The southbound carriageway has been closed while emergency services deal with the accident.

54 people escape as coach heading towards Devon crashes on M5

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Exeter Airport wins coveted "recommended" accolade

August 26, 2014, 12:16 am
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Exeter Airport's focus on customer service has helped it gain a coveted Recommended Provider status from leading consumer organisation Which? The airport is among just eight to secure the award from Which? in its annual survey involving 7,000 Which? members rating their satisfaction at 35 UK airports. All the Recommended Provider accolades went to airports in the small airports category (fewer than 4 million passengers per year) leading Which? to conclude that small airports are, on average, providing a better experience than larger ones. Exeter Airport's survey customers gave maximum five star ratings for check-in and baggage reclaim – two areas where the larger airports fared particularly badly. The vote of confidence from Which? comes in the same week Exeter Airport announced it is on course for another year of growth following last year's 6percent increase – the first in six years – in passenger numbers to 740,000 and further growth in the first half of 2014. It is also just over a year since Exeter Airport was acquired by Regional & City Airports, the airport management division of Rigby Group plc, which recently bought Norwich International Airport, which also features in the top 10. Sir Peter Rigby, founder, CEO and chairman of Rigby Group, said: "This rating is very welcome and reflects the overall commitment of Rigby Group to ensuring excellent customer service and the best possible passenger experience as we focus on cementing Exeter's position as the gateway airport to the South West and a real driver for economic growth. "There is a clear trend recognised within the Which? survey for smaller airports to be able to deliver a significantly better passenger experience than larger airports. This supports Rigby Group's own recognition of the value of regional airports both to their customers and their local economies." Matt Roach, managing director of Exeter Airport, added: "The airport is continuing to invest in a range of facilities and passengers will start to see a number of improvements in the build up to the launch of the London City service. We therefore hope to further improve the customer experience ahead of the next Which? survey." The Which? survey was conducted ahead of a bank holiday get-away and rated airports on areas that matter the most to consumers, including pick-up and drop-off, seating provision, queues at security, passport control and baggage reclaim. Which? executive director Richard Lloyd, said: "The message from travellers is clear – larger airports continue to let people down on the basics, from baggage reclaim to food outlets. People deserve an enjoyable break without any stress, so we want to hear from consumers so that we can help to stop the holiday hassles." The organisation launched its Stop the Holiday Hassles campaign because it believes that people deserve to have an enjoyable, stress-free break.
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Rugby World Cup is coming to Exeter: Devon venues which will host teams revealed

August 26, 2014, 1:29 am
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Exeter University, Woodbury Park and Bicton College will all host teams during next year's Rugby World Cup, it has been revealed. Organisers have already revealed that three games are due to be played Sandy Park in Exeter. Now they have announced where the teams will be staying. Tonga will be based at the University of Exeter for part of the tournament. Georgia will stay at Woodbury Park Hotel and Golf Club and Bicton College for part of the tournament. And Romania will also Woodbury Park Hotel and Golf Club and Bicton College. England Rugby 2015, the Organising Committee for Rugby World Cup 2015 (RWC 2015), has announced the list of 41 Team Bases which will host the 20 participating teams during the Tournament, taking place in England and in Cardiff between September 18 and October 31 2015. The search for Team Bases was launched via an open tender process in April 2013 and just under 100 bids were received from across the country and in Wales. All prospective Team Bases were subject to a rigorous selection process which included an expansive and detailed programme of site visits as well as liaison with the competing Rugby World Cup 2015 teams. A Rugby World Cup 2015 Team Base will consist of an outdoor and indoor training facility, a swimming pool, gym and hotel and will be utilised by the competing teams in the lead up to and during the six week event. The facilities must meet international team training standards and be located on one site or within close proximity of one another. Match venue locations have also been taken into account as part of the selection programme. A mix of rugby clubs, schools, colleges, universities and dedicated training facilities will be utilised by the 20 teams, taking the reach of the Tournament even further. Eight bases have also been selected for use during the knock out phase of the Tournament. England Rugby 2015 CEO, Debbie Jevans, said: "As the Organising Committee for Rugby World Cup 2015 we are committed to ensuring that all participating teams have the optimum training environments available to them throughout the Tournament and we are delighted to announce the 41 official Team Bases. "Rugby is at the heart of all our planning and we have worked closely with the teams to ensure that they have access to the best facilities and a Team Base that meets their individual needs. "I would like to thank all those who have been part of the Team Base selection programme. We are lucky to have some fantastic facilities right across the country and the enthusiasm to be part of the Tournament has been really encouraging. "We are confident that we now have 41 high quality training environments which provide a home away from home for the teams. With a wide range of facilities and locations secured we can give players a unique Rugby World Cup 2015 experience whilst spreading the reach of the Tournament even further throughout England and in Wales." IRB Chairman, Bernard Lapasset, added: "Rugby World Cup 2015 will be an event that has players and fans at heart, and I am delighted that the teams participating at England 2015 will have access to exceptional facilities the length and breadth of the host nation. "It is the attention to detail on and off the field that will elevate this event to new levels and this team base selection will ensure that all the teams have everything they need to perform to their peak potential on Rugby's greatest stage."

Rugby World Cup is coming to Exeter: Devon venues which will host teams revealed

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New club opens to support people living with dementia in Topsham

August 26, 2014, 2:18 am
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A NEW activity club which gives support to people living with dementia and their carers is now open in Topsham. The club offers activities based around brain exercise that have been shown to slow down memory deterioration and improve quality of life. The activity club is run by not-for-profit organisation Memory Matters South West. Director Kate Smith explained the thinking behind the new centre. She said: "There's a lack for facilities for people when they first learn they have dementia, which is exactly the time that activity and stimulation is required. "Activity days like this allow them to meet with others in the same position, which gives reassurance and mutual support. "We use a variety of activities to provide stimulus, including number and word games, current affairs, calculating with money and listening to sounds. "Sessions are always fun and there's a lot of laughter. "Club members often become firm friends and they are always keen to help each other out." As well as providing activities for those who are cared for, day clubs like this allow carers to have much needed time out for themselves, something that they often neglect because of worries about leaving their loved ones. Kate added: "There is strong evidence that certain activities promote brain fitness and slow down memory failure. "At the moment there are around 12,000 people in Devon who desperately need practical help with dementia. "We need more places where people can get support and stimulation and Memory Matters South West is intent on offering a lifeline to as many people as possible. "It looks increasingly possible that numbers of council-run day centres may face closure for one reason or another, so there is a real need for independently run centres to fill the gap." Memory Matters South West CIC run three day clubs in Cornwall and one in Devon, more clubs are anticipated in local communities in the next year. The activity day club at The Mede in Topsham is now open on Mondays 10am to 4pm (not bank holidays) and Memory Matters South West is offering a free session for the first visit after which a session costs from £28. The Mede itself is a holiday home that supports people living with dementia. Sallie Rutledge, mother of three, opened The Mede five years' ago to enable carers and their loved ones to have holidays, after her own father in law was diagnosed with Alzheimer's. This year she acquired the next door bungalow, Seaward House, to run day time activities for people with dementia in the local area and also for those staying on holiday at The Mede. For more information on the new club and how to become a member, please contact Kate Smith on 07813 886706 or email kate@memorymatterssw.co.uk or Sallie on 07718976072 or sallie.rutledge@yahoo.co.uk
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Nursery for 140 children at Marsh Barton trading estate in Exeter given go-ahead

August 26, 2014, 2:20 am
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PLANNING permission has been granted for a two storey nursery, which will cater for up to 140 children, on the Marsh Barton trading estate. The nursery is taking over the former Divers Motor Company in Yeoford Way.
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Tributes to trading shed manager at St Thomas Allotments' Association

August 26, 2014, 2:23 am
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ALWAYS kind and always with a smile and nothing was too much trouble for him. That's how fellow allotment holders have described Paul Doidge, the trading shed manager for St Thomas Allotments' Association for many years, and who died earlier this month. Paul revitalised the trading shed after it had a period in the doldrums. Paying tribute to him, fellow allotment holder Christine Fraser, said: "His plot on Guys & Hylton was a model of allotment gardening. "I have known him for the 10 years I have had my allotment and nothing was too much trouble for him to put down his gardening tools and give advice. "We have lost a wonderful gardener and people do feel it."
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Devon zoo grief at death of Demo the orangutan

August 26, 2014, 2:24 am
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Paignton Zoo's adult male orangutan has died. Bornean orangutan Demo was found by staff on Monday morning. He was being treated for a reoccurrence of a respiratory infection which had plagued him on and off since before he arrived at Paignton Zoo. Demo was born on 6th September 1998 at Aalborg Zoo in Denmark. He was moved to Munster Zoo, in Germany, when he was 6 years old, then came to Devon in November 2007. He recently fathered two babies; Tatau was born in April 2013 and Natalia in late December of the same year. Tatau was the conservation charity's first orang utan birth in 16 years. Paignton Zoo head vet Ghislaine Sayers said: "He came to Paignton Zoo with an upper respiratory tract infection. This is a common problem in orangutans and can lead to repeated bouts of illness. After a long period of treatment he became a healthy-looking specimen and fathered two babies. But recently he'd had another bout of illness. "Getting medication into an ape that doesn't want to eat can be challenging, but with the keepers' help we managed to treat him by injection. Preparations were being made to carry out a CAT scan of his sinuses so we could treat him more effectively. Unfortunately, there are many risks associated with anaesthetising an orangutan with breathing problems and we had to improve his general condition before the CAT scan could take place." Staff took advice from colleagues at other zoos. Over recent days Demo deteriorated quickly and developed pneumonia. Matthew Webb, Paignton Zoo's Senior Head Keeper of Mammals, said: "He was a typical male orangutan, stubborn and cheeky at times, very much loved by his keepers. He was a late developer, but he was just coming into his prime."

Devon zoo grief at death of Demo the orangutan

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Higher platform at St Thomas railway station

August 26, 2014, 2:31 am
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LOCAL councillor Adrian Fullam has received confirmation from First Great Western that the platform is going to be made higher at St Thomas station. Cllr Fullam said: "The gap to the platform has been difficult for many passengers for over a century, so this is great news for people with buggies, wheelchairs, bikes and those who are a bit unsteady. "This further investment by First Great Western is a real boost to our valued train link in St Thomas." Passenger usage at St Thomas station has increased fourfold over the last 10 years, from 45,681 in 2002/2003 to 196,198 in 2012/2013.
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Former Exeter rugby player raising awareness of his rare cancer

August 26, 2014, 2:52 am
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A FORMER Exeter rugby player battling a rare form of cancer has come up with a novel way of raising money and awareness of his illness. Dad-of-three Martin Lynn, who played in the same colts team as Exeter Chiefs head coach Rob Baxter, declared August 24 Fezmas Day. Martin explained: "It's Christmas Day with a twist. "Everything must be the same –Christmas trees, Christmas dinner with all the trimmings, Christmas jumpers, music, crackers and festive films but everyone taking part must wear a fez, preferably with a bit of tinsel on it." Martin and a group of 20 friends and family got together for some fez-tide fun and there were be similar celebrations going on around Britain and overseas. It was the culmination of a fund-raising campaign that has already topped £5,000 in just three months with all the money going to Exeter cancer charity FORCE, which has supported Martin who was diagnosed with an advanced stage of cutaneous T cell lymphoma, a cancer of the immune system in 2009. He has since had surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy in Exeter and London and is currently on a pioneering drug trial. He's been forced to give up his replacement window and conservatory business and is now awaiting a stem cell transplant after discovering that his sister, Katherine, is a match. "The transplant is life threatening for me but so is this disease. After my first round of treatment finished it hit me really hard. FORCE came to my rescue, turned my life around and I want to give something back for all the support they've given me and my family." Martin had bought a fez at a Turkish market some years ago and has used it as a focal point for his campaign. He has even managed to get some celebrity endorsements – TV chef Phil Vickery was persuaded to wear the fez on stage while Apprentice star and business magnate Lord Sugar and football pundit Robbie Savage gave Martin mentions to a combined Twitter following of 4.7 million. Martin said: "Cancer has made me think very differently about life and I'd like to make Fezmas an annual thing with other events like golf days and a fez ball". You can support Martin's fundraising campaign at virginmoneygiving.com/team/martin2

Former Exeter rugby player raising awareness of his rare cancer

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Motorcyclist airlifted to hospital with "serious" injuries after crash on A35 near Honiton

August 26, 2014, 3:30 am
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A motorcyclist was left in a serious condition following a collision on the A35 near Honiton. Police, ambulance and the air ambulance attended the incident which took place at 12.50pm at the junction of Ramsden Lane, Offwell on Sunday. The collision involved a black Suzuki motorcycle, being ridden by a man in his fifties, and a red Toyota Yaris, being driven by a man in his eighties. The motorcyclist suffered serious chest and leg injuries and was airlifted to Derriford Hospital. His condition is described as life changing. Both men are local to Honiton. Diversions were in place and the road was closed until 8.30pm while collision investigators worked at the scene. Any witnesses are asked to call police on 101 quoting log 436 24 August 2014.

Motorcyclist airlifted to hospital with

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South West athletes compete in Belgium

August 26, 2014, 3:38 am
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A team of athletes from the South West have returned from a competition in Belgium. The South West Athletics Academy led the trip to the International Antwerp Athletics Gala. Exeter Harrier Matt Dowell finished sixth in the under-20 1,500m in a PB of 1.59.78. Clubmate Jordan Finch went in the sprints and won the senior male 100m in 11.41secs and was fifth in the 200m in 23.08secs. Another Exeter Harrier, James Denne, was seventh in the 5,000m in 15.55.99 and Katie Olding was second in the under-17 800m in 2.19.35. Cameron Tapp, from Tiverton AC, was fourth in the under-17 800m in 2.06.39. Sonya Ellis, from the South West Athletics Academy, said: "This experience motivates the athletes to focus on their training and helps with their ambitions to compete at a national level."

South West athletes compete in Belgium

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Athletics: Scottish U17 title for Jack Moncur

August 26, 2014, 3:41 am
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EXETER HARRIERS
Exeter Harriers javelin thrower Jack Moncur won gold at the Scottish under-17 National Age Group Championships in Aberdeen. In blustery conditions and with strong headwinds, the poor weather conditions held the competition up by half an hour. The 15-year-old took the lead in the second round with a throw of 45.97m, consolidating in round three with his best overall throw of 48.52m. With the weather conditions worsening, Moncur could not extend his lead further in the final three rounds but he had done enough to clinch the title, eventually taking gold by more than three metres. "I'm pleased with the win," said Moncur, who won the under-15 title last year. "I had a plan which I followed but I needed to adjust because of the weather conditions, and I'm disappointed we couldn't throw from the other end of the arena and take advantage of the weather conditions." Craig Moncur, 11, competing in his first national championships, was disappointed to finish seventh in his heat of the under-13 800m in 2.41.82, but will undoubtedly gain from the experience in the longer term.
SOUTH WEST ROAD RUNNERS
South West Road Runners members were out in force at the Exeter 10k last week. Ian Patchett led them home as he finished in 34.57, with Michal Lesniak not far behind in 35.36 and Jody Bee hot on his heels in 35.39.Other SWRR finishers were: Matt Bellamy 36.23, Tim Vialls 37.14, Darren Powell 38.30, David Balch 39.47, Michael Pearce 40.28, Barry Frost 40.41, Laura Swanton 41.08, Rob Murch 41.43, Mark Haywood 41.56, Jim Durston 41.58, Karen Cook 42.12, David Moulder 42.25, Elizabeth Nuttall 43.43, Julie Hedges 46.10, Clare Suss 47.32, Tracey Bennett 47.39, Jenifer Marsh 47.39, Darren Westlake 47.56, David Evans 48.15, Kelly Green 48.45, Heidi Simms 55.08 and Esther Mcphee 56.19 Four members of the Exeter-based club completed at the Torbay Royal Regatta 10k on Sunday. Daniel Hawkrigg was the first to finish in 40.06, with Karen Cook crossing the line in 42.40, Martin Tucker finished in 52.56 and Amanda Hawkrigg in 55.23. Nine Road Runners took part in the Severn Bridge half marathon. Laura Stanton was the first to cross the line in 1:30.27, with Ali Ferguson recording a time of 1:32.58 and Dave Moulder 1:36.13, just ahead of Lewis Jones in 1:36.29.Other SWRR finishers were: Simon Huddart 1:40, Geoff Smith 1:50.34, Gavin Connor 1:56.44, Duncan Walker 2:08.15 and Donna Smith 2:08.15 Four club members took part in the Sticklepath Horshoe fell run. Kevin Hagley finished ninth over the 15.5k course in 1:27.01. Rob Scovell was 27th in 1:46.54, Peter Rowe 28th in 1:47.00 and Vanda Linden 35th in 1:57.36. Michal Lesniak came third in the Bampton to Tiverton trail 10k in 42.57.
EXMOUTH HARRIERS
Second-claim Exmouth Harrier Tom Merson won the Exeter 10k in his Bristol & West vest in 31.12. Peter Fletcher was the first Exmouth Harrier to finish, in 30th place with a time of 36.41, and Alistair Douglas came home 52nd in 39.50. Richard Bishop was 65th in 41.05, with Andrew Johnson 88th in 42.30 before finishing the Torbay Royal Regatta 10k four days later in 81st place in 42.35. Kay Nias recorded a PB of 42.38 as she finished 90th, with Richard Pyle 98th in 43.33 and Dave Eveleigh 127th in 46.24. At the August leg of the Yeovilton 5k series, Jamie Palmer came home in 17.35 and Nias finished in 19.37.
HALDON TRAIL RUNNERS
Four Haldon Trail Runners raced at the Exeter 10k last week, with three of them recording new personal best times. Tom Bates led the club home as he finished 40th in a PB of 38.29, with Nick Warren also setting a new best as he finished 79th in 42.06. Anthea Whitaker-Board not only ran a PB of 43.28 but also won the female over-50 category, crossing the line 97th overall. Liz Prokopowicz also raced and finished 204th in 51.13. On Sunday evening, Martin McEneny took part in the Torbay Royal Regatta 10k and came home 76th in 42.12.
AXE VALLEY RUNNERS
Luke Reed came fourth in the Salty Sea Dog triathlon in Bournemouth. He finished the course in a time of 1:15.09 after completing the 750m sea swim in 11.24, setting a time of 42.51 in the 14-mile cycling section and 19.17 in the 5k run. Four AVRs ran the Battle of Sedgemoor 10k road race. Keith Agland finished 103rd and set a PB of 46.50. Sue Venn finished 202nd in 56.12, Gary Readings was 232nd in 1:00.00 and Mike Venn 253rd in 1:04.58. Two AVRs ran the Torbay Royal Regatta 10k road race on Sunday evening. Diane Newton took the over-65 women's prize with a PB of 1:02.14. Graham Newton won the over-65 men's title with a time of 43.48. In his first race in the USA, Matt Morbey entered the Blazer Dash 5k at Valdosta State University in Georgia and finished second in 18.29.

Athletics: Scottish U17 title for Jack Moncur

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Police confirm Newton Abbot hit and run is being treated as attempted murder

August 26, 2014, 3:42 am
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Police have confirmed they are treating a suspected hit and run in Newton Abbot as attempted murder. The two suspects, both local and aged 21 and 18, were arrested on Sunday on suspicion of the attempted murder of a 22-year-old man. The victim, who is recovering from life-threatening injuries in Derriford Hospital, was hit by a Peugeot 106 in the early hours of Sunday. The car subsequently drove away with a smashed windscreen and was later found abandoned in a town centre care park. The incident happened in The Avenue at about 3.40am. Police were initially called to reports of a fight in the street involving a group of youths. Anyone with information should call 101 quoting log 203 of the 24th or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

Police confirm Newton Abbot hit and run is being treated as attempted murder

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Exmouth Rowing Club receives £10,000 lottery funding

August 26, 2014, 3:47 am
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A rowing club project in Exmouth that will increase search and rescue efforts is one of 214 South West projects to share £1,748,596 from the Big Lottery fund in the latest round of Awards for All grants. Exmouth Rowing Club will use £9,935 National Lottery funding to purchase a new rescue boat. The club members are currently refurbishing their new premises at Exmouth's old Lifeboat station. The money will help the community by increasing the groups search and rescue efforts and the effectiveness of beach safety. Graham Hurley, Chair, Exmouth Rowing Club said: "Getting nearly £10,000 from the Big Lottery is fabulous news for us in the club, and for the wider community we serve. Not only will we have a reliable and easy-to-launch rescue boat, but it will double as an on-the-water coaching platform for our many crews."
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European duathlon medal for Phil Wylie

August 26, 2014, 3:47 am
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In his 16th season, Phil Wylie has finally realised his life-long ambition of winning his first international medal. Representing Great Britain at the European Duathlon Championships in Weyer, Austria, the 35-year-old athlete from St Leonard's finished third – and only lost the silver in a thrilling sprint finish. But not even that slight disappointment could diminish the sheer delight that Wylie enjoyed at finally making the podium. "It feels amazing to win my first individual medal and I am so happy," said Wylie. "I think this is my 16th year competing in major duathlons or triathlons so it is difficult to describe in words how I feel at finally making the podium. "It is a mixture of great satisfaction, pride and no little relief all bundled into one – and I have had the biggest smile on my face since getting the medal! "I have been chasing this for a long time and a European bronze feels like my Olympic or world gold." Wylie's path to third wasn't easy as he battled against an elite field that was evenly matched, with the medals only decided in the final 5k run after a gruelling opening 10k run and 40k bike ride. "It was a really tough, brutal race and the bike route was very hilly and technical while the runs were challenging," added Wylie. "I am naturally quite hard to please so I was a little disappointed that I lost the silver in a sprint but that didn't last long as I was so pleased to make the podium at last." Wylie was just edged out by reigning world champion Nicolas Benoit of France in the sprint. The title went to Rob Woestenborghs of Belgium. The medal was the second of the weekend for Wylie as he had already helped the GB squad produce a surprise victory in the mixed relay event, beating the Netherlands and Austria. That backs up the bronze they won in the same event at the World Duathlon Championships in Spain earlier in the summer, when Wylie was fourth in the individual discipline.
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Athletics: Tom Merson claims Inter-Counties silver medal

August 26, 2014, 3:49 am
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Tom Merson's short but sweet track season continued as he claimed silver in the 5,000m at the Inter-Counties Track & Field Championships in Bedford at the weekend. Representing Devon, the Exmouth runner ran a 60-second last lap to record a time of 14mins 44.90secs and go one better than last year when he ran a personal best of 14.39.71. Merson pushed eventual winner Ross Skelton of Sussex all the way on that final circuit but could not find a way past, and was denied the gold medal by just 0.64secs. "I just missed the title by a few tenths of a second which is frustrating, but I think that last lap was a personal best for 400 metres," said Merson. "Ross got the jump on me at the bell as I was watching another guy who was in the lead at that point. I just couldn't get by him on that last lap, but it is another national medal for the second year running and I am chuffed to bits." Merson's silver came after his victory in the Exeter 10k road race last week with a time of 31.12, while he also won the 5,000m at the South West Championships and came third in the 1,500m. In total, he has run in just four track meetings this summer, including a couple at the start of the summer in May, when he won the 1,500m and 3,000m at the Devon Championships. "I was concentrating on the road and the fell running in between, so it is good to come back and run so well on the track," said Merson. "I have a couple of meetings left with the British Milers' Club 10,000m Festival in Manchester on September 6 and the Devon 10,000m Championships at the Exeter Arena just before that." Also in action for the small Devon squad that made the tip to Bedford was Exeter Harriers' Rebecca Chapman and the 21-year-old was rewarded with an impressive victory in the long jump. Indeed, Chapman's winning leap of 6.00m is her second best jump outdoors behind her personal best of 6.17m set last month. Karla Drew is a former clubmate of Chapman who is now competing for Yorkshire after moving to Sheffield to study and train alongside Olympic champion Jessica Ennis. The 25-year-old won the 100m hurdles in a wind-assisted time of 13.60secs.

Athletics: Tom Merson claims Inter-Counties silver medal

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