Rugby South West 1 West: An unwelcome break for Cullompton

October 28, 2014, 11:08 am

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A break from league action could not have come at a worse time for Cullompton as they wanted to build on their win over Bideford. Cully had gone three games without a win prior to the victory and had dropped down into the relegation zone. Adam Pearce plonked over a late penalty to give Cully a much-needed 31-30 success.. Cullompton had ironed out a few of the wrinkles, so it is a shame they will not be able to carry on the good work against Bridgwater this Saturday. "We were due to go to Bridgwater, but it is carnival night and they asked us some time ago to rearrange the game," said Cully head coach Chris Wall. "It's a shame as we looked a lot better than in recent weeks. "We started well – no early tries against us – and created plenty of attacking opportunities. Bideford defended well, but had to because we made them. "Out attitude was spot on and we didn't give up. It was hard coming back from a penalty try near the end that put us behind, but we did and went straight back at them and got the penalty that won it for us," Cullompton did have some disruption before the game when teammates Matt Handford and Chris Grant clashed heads in the warm-up. Handford seemed a little dazed so he dropped out and, in the ensuing reshuffle, Steve Knockles was dragged away from warming up the colts to sit on the bench. Cullompton went from 10-0 up after 13 minutes – Adam Pearce converting a Tom Harrold try and a penalty – to 23-13 down 10 minutes into the second half. Pearce added a penalty then Sam Harris forced his way over from a line-out to leave Cully trailing by two points at 23-21. In a ding-dong finish, Cullompton regained the lead with a converted try from Greg Richards, only to concede a penalty try with two minutes to go, but Pearce saved the day with a late penalty winner.

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Golf round up: Megan Deans and Tom Hanson qualify for Andalusia Junior European Open in Spain

October 28, 2014, 11:42 am

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TIVERTON Tiverton duo Megan Deans and Tom Hanson have qualified for the Andalusia Junior European Open in Spain. In the regional final at Downes Crediton last week, Deans won the girls' tournament with a gross 80, while Hanson finished joint third in the boys' event with the same score. Tiverton clubmates Tom Trowbridge (81) and Bradley Scott (82) just missed out on qualification. The grand final will be staged over five rounds in November, including at Finca Cortesin, a former venue of the Volvo World Match Play Championship. Joe Pike made it two junior victories in a fortnight by winning the Texaco Salver with 39 Stableford points. Pike, fresh from his success in the Barry Austin Shield, pipped Dan Brooks on a countback in division two. Ben Thomas followed them with 38. Jake Reddick won division one with 38, followed by George Sampson (36), Tom Hanson (35) and Jimmy Heard (35). Will Bucknell triumphed in the non-CONGU event off the red tees, while Anthony Waterman emerged victorious in the field off the blue tees. Tom Trowbridge has been selected for winter training with the South West under-16 squad. Bridget Holland and Chris Williams won the ladies' better-ball competition last Wednesday after a four-way tie. Holland and Williams posted 38 Stableford points to win on countback from Marjorie Hallam and Alison Hilton, Marg Sampson and Oki Northwood plus Margot Seamer and Shirley Ward. THE WARREN Roger Bloomfield, Pat Moran, John Moroney and Roy Clarke returned a nett score of 56.3 to win the vets' Texas scramble. Adrian Jacobs, Brian Dyer, Bill Eaton and Ian Parker carded 59.6 for second. The best three-man team of Tim Morgan, newcomer Robert Furneval and Ken Brighton were eight shots adrift with 64.4. Fourth were John Trunkfield, Pete Cupit and Pete Dixon, with Martyn Beckett, Peter M West and Frank Waister on 65. Roger Bloomfield and former Exeter City footballer Alan Banks won last week's American greensome event with a score of 37 points. Second were Alan Whiteman, with Harry Morris with 34 points on a countback from Brian Riordan and Peter M West. Peter Wood with Ken Durringer and John Slee with Cliff Burkin also had 34. The Vets were saddened to hear that long-time member Arnie Mitchell had passed away. Mitchell played in a record number of matches for Exeter City, and also had the rare distinction of recording gross scores lower than his age whilst playing at Dawlish Warren. FINGLE GLEN The Durbin family of Thea, Phil, Colin and Jon scored 52.5 points to win Saturday's Texas scramble. Mary Smith, Wayne Steer, David Cardy and Andy Rogers came second with 54.7, ahead of Guy Hoskins, Joe Winsor, Jamie Hoskins and Stuart Willis on 56.6. The seniors played a yellow-ball fun competition, with Colin Bramley, Albert Fernandes, John Edwards and Colin Wilkes winning with a score of 143 points. In second on a countback were Brian Ridgeway, Pete Jarman, Mike Rodda and Steve Tuckett, while Alan Jones, Gordon Bird, Derek Govier and Charles Wray were third with 141 points. Results, Tuesday Stableford: 1 Peter Broadbelt 33pts, 2 Jeff Maynard 31, 3 Rich Stevens 30 The winners of the Club Cars Shield mixed competition were Kate Blake, Adrian Blake, Luke Burchell and Dan Brown with 81 points. PADBROOK PARK Hamish Marshall fired back-to-back birdies to win the scratch cup. The five handicapper beat Cary Rawlings 3&1 in the final. Curtis Edwards won the season-long eclectic scratch prize. His best score on each hole saw a fantastic total of 58 on the par 72 course. The Stableford prize went to Harry Evans – his collection of best scores brought a total of 63 points. Results, eclectic scratch: 1 C Edwards 58, 2 G Stevenson 62, 3 M Perrott 63, T4 D Hepburn, H Evans 64. Eclectic Stableford: 1 H Evans 63pts, 2 G Lewis 61, 3 N Woodman 59, T4 G Stevenson, N Cowley 58 Winter singles, first round draw: H Evans v H Chau, P Waters v D Payne, P Strawford v G Purcigo, J Locke v S Vile, N Cowley v D Murgatroyd, C Edwards v R Price, D Wood v K Curtis, J Palmer v G Lewis, M Mahoney v G Stevenson, T Martin v I White, A Gill v N Woodman, I Carvell v A Rooker OKEHAMPTON Alan Searle, Mark Wonnacott and Martin O'Connor were the division one winners of Saturday's three-ball two-to-count Stableford. Their 83 points were enough to put Dave Bickle, Alan Stokes and Reg Prescott (81) into second, who finished ahead of Will Searle, Lewis Parry and Jack Cornwall on a countback. Division Two was won by Chris Walsh, Vic Marks and Alan Grimshaw with 76 points. Steve Browne, Stephen Tonge and Phil Hobbs were second with 74, one ahead of Steven Peake, Paul Fewings and Richard Lee (73). EXETER G&CC Christine Norton and Georgia Finch won the ladies' four-ball better ball competition on a countback. Playing off three-quarters handicap, three pairings came in with 33 points, with Norton and Finch holding off Gill Whitehead and June Nightingale in second, and third-placed Carol Gregory and Paula Retter.

Rugby National 3 South West: Exmouth look to bounce back against Old Centralians

October 28, 2014, 11:50 am

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Exmouth head coach Jon Hill hopes the pain of losing the Devon derby to Newton Abbot will be taken out on Old Centralians this Saturday. The Cockles were unbeaten at the top of the table before running into the All Whites at Rackerhayes last Saturday – and with an 18-0 lead after as many minutes, their record looked safe. Newton made it 18-12 by half-time and then came from 25-12 down to win 27-25 thanks to an injury-time penalty. And Hill was the first to praise Newton Abbot for their strengths and point out where it went wrong for his side. "The better side won on the day as Newton Abbot were clinical in the final third and we weren't," said Hill. "If we had won it, I would have said we were lucky. Newton were good value for their win, and showed tremendous character to respond to being 18-0 down. "It was certainly an avoidable loss – taking absolutely nothing away from Newton – as we made two huge defensive errors where individuals flew out of a disciplined defensive shape, and Newton are a very good side who were able to exploit these errors. "We had six or seven good try-scoring chances that we blew in part due to excellent defence from Newton, but also individual errors, which proved costly. "We spent nine-and-a-half minutes within seven metres of their try line in the game without scoring a point, and that is something that we must rectify if we are to push on. "Additionally, turning down a penalty kick at goal with only three minutes left and opting to kick for the corner when we were only losing by two was, in hindsight, the wrong decision." "The response to this defeat will be interesting as there was complete silence at the end of the game in our team huddle," Hill continued. "There are certainly lessons to be learned. As long as we learn from them, we will come back stronger and can become a better side." A large Newton Abbot crowd certainly got value for money as the game swung one way then the other. Exmouth wing Richard Bright went in for two tries in the corner, with Rob Avery-Wright converting the first and landing two penalties. Newton scored two tries in the space of four minutes, both as a result of long-distance attacks by Kyle Browne, with one converted by Josh Smith. When Exmouth drove over for another try three minutes into the second half – prop Shane Cooper receiving the credit – Newton were 25-12 down. A Smith double – one self-converted – left Newton a point down with 13 minutes to go. The game had moved into injury-time when Exmouth gave away a penalty under their posts, and Smith knocked it over. Exmouth stay top of the table, but chasers Hornets and Brixham are now within two points. "You can see why Exmouth view us as a bogey side as that's the last three games in the league against them we have won," said Newton's director of rugby Roy Henderson. "Exmouth did us a favour in the second half by kicking the ball up the middle at us, which allowed our runners to strike back at them." Newton were struggling with injury problems before the match – Alex Smith, Dan Williams and Tom McGrattan were all missing in the pack – and lost Alex Moore on the flank and Will Cole at prop before half-time. When hooker Dean Avery went down in the second half, Newton feared having to go to dreaded uncontested scrums and having to drop a player as well. Fortunately, he was able to carry on. Newton go straight from one Devon derby into another this Saturday as they hit the road to Barnstaple. Prop Matt Finn and flanker Ben Smith will come into the reckoning after impressing in the second XV – and Smith as a former Barum player will be itching to play. Barnstaple are bouncing around in the drop zone at the moment with just two wins to their name. They have yet to win at home in the league this season, but Henderson claims that is no reason to expect a Newton victory. "You know what they say about derbies – the form book goes out of the window," he said. "Barnstaple are always well supported and no game there is ever easy. "You can be sure they will raise their game against us and anything less than our best performance could cost us."

Badminton: Alex and Ben Lane help Devon beat Wiltshire

October 28, 2014, 11:54 am

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England junior badminton stars Alex and Ben Lane were in the Devon first team that beat Wiltshire 10-5 at Exmouth. The team also included Queens player Sarah Preece and Betty Blair, Mark Trebble and Jamie Roberton from Cranford. Devon's seconds beat Wiltshire seconds 8-7, with reserves and third team players Joe Davies, Lauren Theedom and Vicky Prouse performing well. Theedom, Davies and Prouse were then in the county third team, along with Suzanne Owens, that lost 9-6 to Somerset seconds. Cranford's Barry Smethurst and Paul Furler were on top form as the Devon's over-60 side beat Dorset 12-0 in the masters' inter-county championships at Torquay. June Goode, from Ottery St Mary, and Jill McCord, from St Leonard's, also played their part. The over-50s beat Dorset 9-3, with Ringswell's Paul Owens and Julia Frost winning their match 21-10, 23-21. The over-40 team struggled against Gloucestershire and lost 9-3, but there was reward late on for Ringswell's Nigel Osborne and Becky Bailey who won 24-22, 21-18 in the mixed doubles. Cranford's Owen Walters won bronze in the doubles and reached the quarter-finals of the under-15s' boys singles at the Gloucester bronze tournament.

Gymnastics: Team of parents to enter British Veterans' Championships

October 28, 2014, 11:55 am

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A team of parents in their 40s have been training at Honiton Gymnastics Club ahead of their first ever competition. While most gymnasts may start their careers in a small club or local competition, the men's four of Ben Lee, Antony Beviss, Duncan Cousens and Alan Britten are heading straight for the top – entering the British Veterans' Championships this weekend. The fabulous foursome, who have been training in adult gymnastics sessions, have been together for just three months but already they have mastered four-man pyramids, basic tumbles, dynamic throws and two routines that are choreographed to dramatic music. The team's main motivation has been to help raise funds so that Honiton Gymnastics Club can buy training equipment and help with the cost of supporting gymnasts competing in national and international competitions. "Anyone that's seen the recent BBC TV series Tumble will know how challenging it is to pick up gymnastics skills when you're an adult," said James Reddy, the high performance coach at Honiton Gymnastics Club. "However, they'll also have seen that with some basic body preparation, flexibility training and dedication it's possible for anyone to not only pick up basics of gymnastics but also master some more complex skills. "And that's exactly what these guys have done – proving to themselves and everyone else that you don't have to be under 20 years old to learn new skills and achieve your personal ambitions. I'm very impressed with how much they've improved over the past few weeks and I know we're going to see even bigger improvements from them before they compete." The British Vets Acrobatic Gymnastics Championships take place at Lilleshall National Sports Centre in Shropshire on Saturday and the Honiton men's team will start with a considerable bonus of 1.6 for every routine, thanks to an age bonus of 0.1 for every year that each competitor is over 20 years old. They will be joined by a team of other veterans from the club, including coaches James and Helen Reddy, who will perform as a mixed pair, coaches Emma Smith and Erica Podbury, who will compete as a women's pair, and coaches Fay Miles, Melissa Ilsley and Gemma Robertson, who will compete as a women's trio.

Youth rugby: Exeter U15s beat Stonehouse

October 28, 2014, 11:57 am

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UNDER-15sExeter 29 Stonehouse Sharks 10 Exeter recorded yet another away victory, with a strong first-half showing against Stonehouse Sharks setting them on their way. Tries from Zeb Cobb, Jed Cockram and Jack Herbert gave them a 12-point advantage at the break. Captain Lewis Fanson was held up before Jordan Willey had three consecutive attempts disallowed, but sensational team play saw Kieran Williams break through and a fantastic finish by Tai Thomas Day sealed it. Joe Lowe was named man of the match. UNDER-14sExeter Saracens 5 Cullompton 29 Cullompton demonstrated their skill, pace and strength in depth with a dominant display against Exeter Saracens. Despite the absence of a couple of forwards, Sarries still put in an excellent all-round performance, but Cully's superb attacking play saw them seal a convincing win. Sarries managed a try after Toby Bignell intercepted a pass and set Rhys Mullin in the clear, but strong Cullompton defence denied them a further score which their play merited.UNDER-11sExeter Chiefs 0 Plymstock Albion Oaks 30 Exeter Chiefs were found wanting in their first match at their new ground as they lost against Plymstock Albion Oaks. The visitors blew the Chiefs away from the start, scoring three tries in each half, and their blitz defence never allowed the hosts to get going. The Chiefs were unable to keep the ball, especially at the ruck where Plymstock showed more aggression. Captain and man-of-the-match Freddie Richards played well, as did parents' player-of-the-match Christian Eyres.

Youth football: Alex Gibbins and Jordan Bastin in Devon U18 squad

October 28, 2014, 12:00 pm

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Topsham Town's Alex Gibbins and Jordan Bastin have been named in the Devon under-18 squad to face Gloucestershire in the second round of the FA County Youth Cup. The match takes place at Coach Road, Newton Abbot, on Saturday, November 8 (2pm). Willand Rovers duo Tarji Jones and Ashley Matthews are also in the squad, along with Alphington player Reece Saunders, Tyler Dobinson from Exeter College, Tiverton Town's Jake Welch and Ben Bickle, who plays for Okehampton Argyle. Devon received a bye in the first round after reaching the semi-final of the competition last season.Devon under-18 squad: Brodie Cole (Elburton Villa), Jake Welch (Tiverton Town), Reece Saunders (Alphington), Tom Scott (Elburton Villa), Sam Lane (Bodmin Town), Sam Carter, Tyler Elliott (both Elburton Villa), Ruben Cane, Ray Card (both Plymstock United), Jordan Inwood (Elburton Villa), Jordan Bastin (Topsham Town), Elliot Cunningham (Vospers Oak Villa), Zak Wheeler (Elburton Villa), Tyler Dobinson (Exeter College), Tarji Jones, Ashley Matthews (both Willand Rovers), Ben Bickle (Okehampton Argyle), Charlie Hardcastle (Elburton Villa), Alex Gibbins (Topsham Town), Sam Bond (Elburton Villa)

Bradninch sign up for new T20 competition for under-19s

October 28, 2014, 12:02 pm

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Bradninch is one of the first clubs in Devon to sign up for a new England & Wales Cricket Board (ECB) T20 competition. The ECB, worried about the number of young players drifting away from the game, has launched a nation-wide T20 tournament for under-19 players. Derrick Foan, the chairman of Bradninch, said anything that keeps youngsters in the game deserves the support. Plympton, Plymouth, Paignton and Bideford have also signed up – and Lewdown are expected to get on board as well. Ed Leverton, the Devon League secretary, said he hoped more clubs would get behind the ECB initiative. "It would be fantastic if there was a good response from clubs in the Devon Cricket League to allow a meaningful competition to be held," said Leverton. ECB surveyed 1,000 young players – current and lapsed – to find out what encouraged them to play or otherwise. Key responses were that players in the 16-19 age range want to play with their friends and prefer short-format games played in coloured kit and in a lively atmosphere. ECB see the tournament as a midweek attraction, at least in the short term. More detailed competition proposals will be put together once all entries are received. Clubs interested in the new competition should contact Leverton at secretary@devoncricketleague.co.uk or on 07534 579924.

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Lloyd White takes over as captain of Budleigh Salterton

October 28, 2014, 12:04 pm

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Lloyd White will be the new Budleigh Salterton skipper next season following Joel Murphy's decision to step down. Murphy led Budleigh to third in the A Division table in the summer following their relegation form the Premier Division the season before. However, he has decided to call time on his role as captain and as a result White, who led the second XI to promotion last season, will take over. White's replacement as second XI skipper is Alex Richardson. Both appointments were decided following a vote by the players. Neil Rice, the Budleigh Salterton chairman, said White was the obvious choice to take over. "Lloyd has been with the club since he was a colt and, had he made himself available for the first XI, he would have played a lot more," said Rice. "Although Joel is staying on as a player next season, the rest of the side is going to be aged in the early 20s. "Ben Phillips has indicated he won't be playing cricket due to his commitments coaching the Somerset Academy and age-group sides. "James Burke has accepted a two-year deal with Surrey and I can't see him featuring for us at all, and I doubt Luke Peterson will be returning as our overseas player, although we would be more than happy to have him. He is big mates with James and if he comes over from South Africa again I expect the two of them will link up with a club near London. "Our first task over the coming weeks and months is to recruit some experienced bowling. We have a few irons in the fire, locally and further afield."

Youth football: Olly Johnson scores on his debut as Alphington U16s win

October 28, 2014, 12:07 pm

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UNDER-16sPinhoe Gladiators 2 Alphington 8 Olly Johnson scored a hat-trick on his birthday as Alphington won 8-2 away at Pinhoe Gladiators. Dylan Page, Kieran Endicott, Charlie Khan, Toby Madden and Ben Fodor completed the scoring for the Alphas. Harvey Newman was the star man. Weston Mill Oak Villa 1 Alphington 2 Alphington capped an excellent weekend by making it through to the next round of the Devon Cup with a 2-1 away win at Weston Mill Oak Villa. Madden put them into the lead before Endicott added a second. UNDER-15sAlphington Rockets 4 Cullompton 2 Alphington put in a very strong second half performance to beat Cullompton 4-2. Callum Cross headed in at the far post to put the Alphas in front before Lucas White completed his hat-trick early in the second half, including a free-kick that he curled into the top corner. Cullompton scored two goals in the closing stages, but the home side held on for the victory.UNDER-14sStoke Hill 6 Alphington 4 Stoke Hill hit back from 2-0 down to record a 6-4 win over Alphington. Two quick goals from Tom Bray got them back on level terms before Josh Down and Cody Cox added with great individual strikes. Bray added two further goals in the second half with a low shot and superb lob.UNDER-11sHeavitree Social 4 Lympstone 0 Heavitree Social Gunners kept up their fine start to the season with a 4-0 win over Lympstone. Lewis Brown put the Heavies ahead and Harry Fawkes fired home a quick brace before half-time. Kian Brown's fine strike rounded off a great second half for Heavitree.UNDER-8sStoke Hill Jenson Phillips hit 13 goals in two games as Stoke Hill recorded back-to-back wins against Whipton. In the first match, against Whipton A, Phillips (6) and Jack Stone (2) put Stoke into an 8-0 half-time lead. Ethan Ridler (2) and Ben Allen added second half goals. The second match saw Stoke Hill beat Whipton B 11-1, with Phillips getting seven goals and James Botting four.

Tiverton Town 4 Bishops Cleeve 0: Match report

October 28, 2014, 3:17 pm

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Tiverton Town bounced back from Saturday's loss to North Leigh in emphatic style with a dominant victory over Bishops Cleeve on Tuesday. First-half goals from Owen Howe and Jamie Mudge set the Yellows on their way at Ladysmead against willing but limited opposition. James Richards bludgeoned a free-kick home in the second period before substitute Ethan Phillips wrapped up the victory. Tivvy could and probably should have scored more, although it could all have been very different had Christian Boateng converted his sixth-minute chance from close range rather than send it against the woodwork. Bright cameos from George Rogers and Luke Mortimer were the icing on the cake in what was a perfect response from the hosts following Saturday's desperately disappointing 4-1 home reverse against North Leigh. It was only late in the game that win-less Bishops Cleeve truly seemed to lose their fighting spirit, as the league's bottom club played with a confidence that belied their lowly league position. But they spent much of the encounter gamely chasing shadows against a Yellows outfit who looked patient and assured in possession. The victory should rightly do wonders for Tiverton's confidence, but they should bear in mind that they will certainly face tougher opponents this season – starting at Sholing in the FA Trophy on Saturday. Tiverton Town: Wright, Wannell (Rogers, 69), Searle (Mortimer, 69), Bye, Faux, Gardner, Hinds, Richards, Howe, Western, Mudge (Phillips, 51). Subs not used: Furness, Goss. Attendance: 178

Exeter University receives £1m from Wellcome Trust

October 29, 2014, 6:45 am

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The University of Exeter has been awarded £1 million by the Wellcome Trust to establish an initiative aimed at advancing our understanding of living systems and the causes of disease. The Wellcome Trust's Institutional Strategic Support Fund (ISSF) will greatly enhance the University's capability and capacity in bio-medical data modeling and analysis. It builds upon the successful Biomedical Informatics Hub, previously funded through the Wellcome Trust ISSF. This award will fund a cohort of Independent Research Fellows to work in the areas of advanced mathematical and statistical modelling, high performance computing and data analytics and multi-modal imaging and image analysis. This will be supported by additional equipment, academic posts, PhD studentships, seed corn funding and a programme of public engagement. Professor Nick Talbot FRS, Deputy Vice-Chancellor at the University of Exeter said: "This is a very prestigious award from the Wellcome Trust and a vote of confidence in our strategy for supporting Wellcome-funded research across the University. The Trust's ISSF award will enhance our research capacity across the bio-medical sciences, from basic, discovery science to translational health sciences research." Speaking about how Wellcome was supporting Exeter's strategic research priorities, Professor Talbot said "We are currently developing a strategy to investigate how living systems operate, from the molecular level right up to the level of whole animals and plants. We are investing in a £50m Living Systems Institute on our Streatham Campus that will bring together leading mathematicians, physicists, cell and molecular biologists, biomedical scientists and engineers to understand living organisms and the way in which diseases develop. The Wellcome Trust ISSF investment is pivotal to this exciting, interdisciplinary strategy. Furthermore, Wellcome has been one of the principal supporters of our Precision Medicine strategy, which is applying modern genetics and genomics to the diagnosis and treatment of human disease." The project involves the College of Engineering, Mathematics and Physical Sciences, the College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Medical Humanities and the University of Exeter Medical School. Speaking of the ISSF, Dr Jeremy Farrar, Director of the Wellcome Trust, said: "Having spent the last year listening to universities across the UK I know that the Institutional Strategic Support Fund is one of our most valued schemes. The scheme is distinctive because it allows universities themselves to identify where money can be most usefully spent in pursuit of their and our strategic objectives ranging from supporting the early careers of researchers to focusing on resources needed to develop really excellent public engagement or investment in cutting edge research." The ISSF awards offer financial support for universities to enhance institutional strategies for the biomedical sciences. They also provide incentives for institutions to support scientific progress, translation and interdisciplinary collaboration and to encourage greater efficiency, effectiveness and accountability in the stewardship of Wellcome Trust funding

Can you help police identify man found unconscious by road this morning?

October 29, 2014, 7:03 am

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Devon and Cornwall police are asking for the public's help in trying to identify a man who was found seriously injured beside the A385 in Totnes this morning. The man was reported to police by a motorist who spotted the man lying beside the A385 near Berry Pomeroy at 12;23am today. Paramedics found the man near the Blackpost Lane junction on Bridgetown Hill and he was taken to Torbay Hospital before being transferred to Derriford Hospital in Plymouth. A police spokesman said: "The man was reported by a passing motorist and has a potentially serious head injury. It's possible he was the victim of a hit and run incident but we are still investigating the circumstances." He is described as 5ft 4ins in height with a medium build, wearing a striped beanie hat. He was also wearing a distinctive yellow and black/navy blue hoodie with a picture of Tokyo and logo on the front, and a picture of the South Easy Asian lady in mustard yellow on the back, with 'Holland 2000' written in blue. He was wearing a peace logo on a leather strap around his neck, khaki trousers and an 'Animal' brand belt, plus a number of wristbands. He has cropped/shaven brown hair and is in his 40s or 50s. Police say they are keen to speak to his family or anyone who could identify him. The section of road where the man was found is still closed this afternoon and there are reports of heavy delays in the area. Anyone who may have information on the incident, or who may know the identity of the man is asked to contact the police on 101 quoting log 0010 of October 29.

Police appeal after cigarettes stolen in Axminster burglary

October 29, 2014, 7:16 am

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Police are investigating a report of burglary at Kilmington Cross in Axminster. The incident occurred between 22:44-23:55hrs yesterday Tuesday the 28th October 2014. The CCTV camera was tampered with and items, including cigarettes, were stolen. Anyone able to offer information regarding this crime is asked to please call the Devon and Cornwall Police 101 no: quoting crime ref 118065/14.

Can you help? Police appeal after Distinctive gold rings stolen from Honiton home

October 29, 2014, 7:21 am

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Police are investigating a burglary where distinctive gold rings were taken from a Honiton home. Offenders forced a window to get inside the property in Oaklea while the owners were away between 13 and 21 October. They stole four gold rings which are old and of great sentimental value. Taken were two ladies gold signet rings, one described as heart-shaped with grooves across and the other as oval-shaped with the letters JCK engraved on it. Also taken was a ladies white gold or platinum ring with a band of three diamonds and a ladies gold engagement ring which has a wide band and a round diamond surrounded by small sapphires. The ring is distinctive due to a damaged claw and has become almost v-shaped due to wear. Detectives are appealing to anyone who may have seen anything suspicious in the area at the time of the offence or has information about the burglary. They are particularly keen to speak to any second hand dealers or antique stores who may have been offered the rings for sale. Anyone who can help is asked to contact Detective Constable Matt Burnell at Honiton CID by telephoning 101 or Crimestoppers 0800 555111, quoting crime reference CR/116570/14.

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Exmouth's Police office set to close

October 29, 2014, 7:26 am

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EXMOUTH Police Station's front desk enquiry office will close on Saturday, November 1, as part of force-wide budget cuts. Exmouth is one of 27 out of 61 Public Enquiry Offices to close which will save Devon and Cornwall Police saving around £760,000 annually. Tiverton Police Station is also set to lose its front desk enquiry office. Five staff in total have been affected, however three officers have taken voluntary redundancy, one has been redeployed and the other retained. In July, at a presentation to town councillors, Inspector Antonia Weeks explained that Devon and Cornwall Police is facing further budget cuts of around £5m in the next two years on top of £52.5m that has already been made since 2009. She said that the vast majority is spent on staffing costs therefore "reluctant" redundancies were "inevitable". Insp Weeks stressed that demand for the service has decreased dramatically over the last few years. Nowadays, the vast majority of people contacting the police via the non-emergency 101 help line, the website and Facebook and Twitter. She confirmed that the force wanted to encourage people to use alternative means of contacting officers and Exmouth would remain a 24/7 operational station. And she said that the move would help secure a greater police presence on our streets. As of November, East and Mid Devon residents will have to use Heavitree Road Police Station, which will continue to open six days a week between 8am and 6pm Monday to Saturday. Insp Weeks, explained the current financial climate has meant the force has had to make "challenging decisions" around how best to use resources to benefit communities. "We are required to make difficult decisions in order to maintain visibility and maintain front line policing whenever possible," she said. "The force carried out a review of how the public contact police in Devon and Cornwall and it showed the amount of people calling in at a police station continues to diminish." Insp Weeks said even at the busiest stations the number of in-person callers could be as low as a handful leak times and at quieter stations, none at all for extended periods of time. Conversely, she said the force receives about a million contacts a year from the public via other means – a figure likely to increase with the development of technology and the force's investment in this area. "Maintaining a visible presence in our communities is essential and it is hoped this review will allow us to increase visibility away from traditional police sites," Insp Weeks continued. "A more mobile police presence means a more efficient and visible police service." In July, several councillors raised concerns including the wait to speak to a 101 operator at times and the issue of where to drop off lost property or what to do with a lost child. Councillor Pauline Stott, said the loss of the front desk office was an important service and its loss would come as a blow to the community. "This is a sad day for Exmouth, this is policing going backwards instead of forwards," she said. "The front desk service is an important facility – Exeter is a long way to go. People appreciate that face-to-face contact. "Police presence on the streets has diminished in recent years, if this move is to save money, then I can't see them bringing more officers back onto the streets. I would like to have seen the police consider cuts elsewhere." Councillor Trevor Cope, added: "The Police Authority is being short sighted and appears to be neglecting the largest town in Devon yet again. "What matters most to us as residents is that we feel safe. "We have an aging population and people want to know they can contact a policeman through the logical place – the police station. The thin blue line is getting thinner."

Five reasons to buy tomorrow's Echo

October 29, 2014, 7:28 am

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1: News - some big names have been attracted to a proposed new major shopping centre on the outskirts of the city. We'll tell you who they are. But the city council has its concerns over the plan. 2: Sport - things get better and better for the Grecians, we've got some interesting team news from the Chiefs, there's all the usual analysis and previews plus a round-up of local sport. 3: Echo2 - our complete what's on guide to the week ahead in Exeter and beyond. Essential reading for anyone planning on going out, or staying in for that matter. 4: Pride of Exeter – this special pull-out reveals who's been shortlisted in our prestigious annual awards, highlighting the achievements of our community heroes. 5: Tasty offer - there's free bread rolls from Shauls for every reader this week.

Cash machine offers Tesco shoppers "free erections"

October 29, 2014, 7:40 am

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Tesco aren't having a good week.

The latest gaffe has gone viral after a branch in Aberystwyth offered shoppers "free erections" after a sign was wrongly translated into Welsh.

The error was seen by Welsh speaking Aberystwyth councillor Ceredig Davies who said: "There were a few titters in the town so I went down to have a look myself.

"Ten out of ten to Tesco for considering the Welsh language.

"But perhaps they should have had it checked by an actual Welsh speaker before putting the signs on the machines.

"People get their Welsh translations wrong from time to time but this one is hilarious."

Managers at the Tesco Express store in the university town took the sign down today and were investigating the mistake.

Murder accused wrote to fellow prisoner in bid to back up his story, jury told

October 29, 2014, 9:42 am

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A man accused of murder wrote a letter under a false name asking a fellow prisoner to back up his account of the killing. Ryan Singleton is one of five men accused of stabbing Exeter drug dealer during a violent robbery at his flat in Alphington Road in Exeter 11 months ago. The jury at his trial have been told that a letter to a potential witness was intercepted in prison which appeared to be coaching him on what to say. The five men in the dock have all blamed one or more of the others for the stabbing which led to 43-year-old Steven Crook's suffering fatal injuries. Singleton says fellow defendants Darren Twigger and Anthony Martin carried out the attack and he suffered a small cut on his arm as he tried to stop them. The jury at Exeter Crown Court were told of the new development after the final defendant finished giving evidence. They were read a series of agreed facts relating to the finding of the letter at Bristol prison which was addressed from one serving prisoner called Ricky Matthews to another called Dean Mason. Mason did not give evidence at the trial but there had been a possibility he would do so on behalf of Singleton's defence team. In the event they had decided not to do so before they learnt of the letter. His evidence would have related to an alleged cell confession by Twigger, which supported Singleton's account. The letter was found at the prison on October 7, while Singleton was still in the middle of giving evidence at the murder trial in Exeter. Mr Martin Meeke, QC, who is representing Twigger, read the jury a set of agreed facts. He said:"The letter purports to be written by Ricky Matthews and was addressed by internal mail to Dean Mason. It was examined and 30 fingerprints matching Ryan Singleton were identified and none from Matthews. "The letter and envelope were examined and an expert expressed the opinion Singleton had written the letter. Mason was Singleton's co-accused when they were both convicted of burglary at Bristol Crown Court on May 23, 2012. "At the time when Singleton was giving evidence his legal team obtained a witness summons requiring Mason to give evidence on his behalf." He then read the letter, in which the supposed writer said he was 'Ryan's mate'. The letter said:"Make sure you tell the court it was Twigger who stabbed him and Cabbage (Martin's nickname). They set Ryan up and told him they had money for a nine-bar and robbed a dealer instead. "That was when Ryan tried to stop it … it was 100 per cent Twigger and not Ryan." Mr Paul Dunkels, QC, who represents Singleton, told the jury he did not intend to recall his client to give further evidence. The jury are expected to retire next week to start deliberating over their verdicts on the five men who are all charged with murder and robbery. The prosecution say Webster provided the local knowledge to enable four men from Coventry, including Singleton, to target and attack Mr Crook. All five were caught on CCTV in the nearby Sainsbury store shortly before the attack, where one bought four knives. The jury have heard that Webster drove them to the scene and remained in the car while the others went to the flat. The Crown say the attack was planned in texts exchanged between Webster and Singleton two days earlier which showed they hoped to find £20,000 in cash or drugs. The group allegedly stole around £1,000 cash, jewellery and a laptop and spent the rest of the night drinking or taking drugs at the Spice Lounge restaurant in Exmouth, and the Exeter Arms Hotel at Middlemoor. Steven Webster, aged 40, of East Street, Okehampton; Ryan Singleton, aged 26, of Howcotte Green, Canley, Coventry; Darren Twigger, aged 40, of John Rous Avenue, Canley; Bradley Richardson, aged 18, of Prior Deram Walk, Canley; and Anthony Martin, aged 22, of Gerard Avenue, Canley, all deny murder and robbery. Ends The trial continues and the best guess is that the jury will go out on Tues 4 or Wed 5 November.

One man and his dog rescued from public toilets in Exeter

October 29, 2014, 10:10 am

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A fire crew from Exeter was called to the public toilet on Blackboy Road, Exeter, this afternoon where a man and his dog were locked inside. The fire crew used small tools to gain access to the toilet block and release the person and pet inside. The incident happened around 1pm. The identity of the person who was trapped is not known.