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Devon will get more than £220million over the next six years to help repair the region's potholes. A Government cash injection to help repair the Westcountry's deeply rutted roads has been welcomed while at the same time dismissed as barely scratching the surface of a massive backlog. The Department for Transport (DfT) will spend £847million on improving roads in the South West between 2015 and 2021, part of a £4.7bn package to be shared between 115 councils across England and enough to fix 2.7million potholes. Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin today announced that Devon and Cornwall would be handed just under £350million between them over the next six years to enable road repairs to be carried out. While both Devon County and Cornwall Council have welcomed the certainty of being able to plan for the long term, they have also said that it is not nearly enough. Stuart Hughes, Devon County Council Cabinet Member for Highway Management, said the £220million they were awarded would help planning. "Knowing the longer term funding picture does enable us to plan ahead with more certainty, which is something we've been calling for," he said. "However, when you consider that we need £64 million of capital investment every year to maintain the current condition of our roads, this funding announcement still falls short of what is needed. "We're confident we can demonstrate the efficiencies of our asset management to be awarded additional incentive funding, but we will reserve judgement on the challenge funding until it's clear how the bidding process works." Devon has the largest highway network of any local authority in the country, with 8,000 miles of roads to maintain. Mr Hughes said the council was "acutely aware of the need for more capital funding, particularly as we are a roads based economy." He added: We are also very aware of the problems we are facing on parts of the minor road network. "Whilst we will continue to deal with safety defect repairs on such roads, the level of capital funding provided is making it increasingly difficult to meet the local demand for resurfacing and reconstruction work on some minor roads across Devon." Accord the entire South West, the Government has announced £847 million will be spent on improving local roads between 2015 and 2021. The investment amounts to £141 million a year, enough to fix around 2.7 million potholes across the region. It is the first time councils have been given locked-in funding over this length of time, which will help them plan ahead and save money for the taxpayer. Mr McLoughlin said: "Roads play a significant part in everyday life. "Poorly maintained local roads, blighted by potholes, are a menace to all road users, particularly during the festive period as people travel to see family and friends. "

£220 million funding boost to fix Devon’s potholes ‘not enough’, says council

A labourer was crushed to death on his first day in a new job on a farm in mid Devon. Dan Whiston, 20, was killed when a defective dumper truck lurched forwards as he was tipping soil and plunged down a steep slope. He was helping to build a lake at the farm in Uplowman, Devon, for the owners. Dan, who had not been wearing a seat belt, suffered massive head and neck injuries when the 11 tonne truck landed on top of him as he tried to jump clear. The accident happened in October 2009 and five years on, two directors of the firm that Dan was working for appeared in court to be sentenced today over the incident. William Friend, of Hannaford, Swimbridge, Devon, and Robert Plume, of East Street, South Molton, Devon, admitted being an employer breaching a general duty to an employee under the Health and Safety Act by connivance or neglect. Prosecutor Simon Morgan told Exeter Crown Court that Dan, from Dulverton, Exmoor, was crushed by the truck's roll bars as he carried out the landscaping work at the farm. He said Samuel Farmer and his wife bought the farm in 2007 and in 2009 an extensive work programme was carried out which included lining and extending the lake which was a quarter size of a football pitch and 15 feet deep in a job costing £18,900. He said Dan had not been trained to drive the dumper truck which had defective brakes and 'suddenly jolted forwards' and the young worker tried to grab the roll bar but the back of the truck swung round and landed on top of him. And he had not been wearing the seat belt that may have saved his life, a judge was told. James Bennett, defending the two directors of Wedgewood Buildings Ltd, said Dan's family had bravely shown empathy to the two men. He said:"There were failings, they make mistakes. They tried their best, but their best was not good enough." He said the men, married with children, had had the prospect of jail hanging over their heads for the last five years because of the time it had taken for an inquest to be held and the HSE to prosecute them. Judge Phillip Wassall said the five year process was 'regrettable but understandable' and he said accidents like these were 'such a common problem'. An inquest jury earlier ruled Dan had not received recognised training, no practical experience in driving such a truck, the vehicle had a number of defects including brakes that did not work, and he had not been given any supervision about driving such a truck on uneven land. The judge described the death of 20 year old Dan as a 'tragic loss' as he sentenced two men over his death. He also praised the dead man's family saying:"I regard your objectivity and sensitivity in the circumstances as being extraordinary." He told the men:"The risks were foreseeable." Judge Wassall said the combination of an earth moving mechanical vehicle on a sloping site equalled danger. And he said:"You should have enforced the seat belt rule. The roll cage was there for a purpose." He said both directors had made too many assumptions when there were 'clear and obvious risks'. Both Friend and Plume, now aged 32, were jailed for 12 months, suspended for two years. They were ordered to carry out 180 hours of unpaid work and pay £25,000 each in costs. The judge did not make any other financial penalty because he said you cannot put a value on someone's life.

Bosses sentenced after labourer crushed to death by dumper truck on his first day in job

THERE are certain givens when it comes to a top-notch panto: the brave hero, the pretty damsel in distress, the over-the-top villain, the dame, the jokes, the perfectly performed song and dance routines, and lots of audience interaction ("He's behind you!"). Above and beyond all of that, however, there should be a marquee name to draw in an audience of youngsters and their parents and reduce them to hysterics. This performance ticked all of those boxes, along with stunning sets and costumes and a clever, shriek-provoking 3D sequence ("Have you put your goggles on, boys and girls?") in the giant's castle with floating spiders. The big name – and in pantoland they don't come much bigger – was Bobby Davro as Simple Simon, while the Dame and the villain were played by those other stalwarts of the Christmas stage, Jeffrey 'Hi-De-Hi' Holland and John 'Boycie' Challis. And yet despite all this talent, somehow the mixture didn't quite gel. Bobby Davro wasn't quite as funny as he has been and his material seemed dated (all his impressions were based on '80s stars and TV shows); the hero Jack (played by X Factor winner Chico) seemed a little too pleased with himself before actually accomplishing anything heroic; and the sound levels seemed off (the opening number drowned out the introductory speech by the Dame). The result was that, while the elements were all present and correct-ish and we knew who to cheer for and hiss at, the cheers and boos didn't rattle the rafters. Ticket details on 01752 267222 or visit www.theatretoyal.com

A Devon man believes he has seen a festive face in a bruise on his arm. The former submariner has said he saw the face of Jesus in the bruise adding that it is 'some kind of message' The bruise appeared on Plymouth man Andy Metcalf's left arm after he had a fight with a friend who bit him. "It was looking like something different every day, hence which I was taking pictures daily, because it was so unusual," Andy said. "When I looked at the pictures it became apparent it was a face. "That's got to be some kind of message, that's no coincidence. There's got to be some reason behind it." Andy says he was not previously a particularly religious person, but he has been baptised and has become a regular church-goer since the incident in August 2013. "The truth is I have been getting more and more spiritual over the years, and a friend of mine invited me to a local church," he said. "I would say my life was going in that direction anyway. There was no big revelation, I was just a bit confused. "I asked myself 'Why is this happening now? Why is it happening at all?'" Andy, who worked in the submarine service for 23 years, has decided to speak out now as he believes his story is important at this time of year. "I think the time is right around Christmas to ram home the message of Jesus and what it's really all about," he said. "This happening to me has made a difference to my state of mind. "It might have strengthened my belief and my faith." Andy says he has shown the pictures to a select group of friends, not all of whom can see what he sees. "50 per cent of people can't or won't see it, it's like a 'looking between the lines' exercise," he said. "It's like when five people witness an accident and the police are taking statements, they have all got a different story, everyone sees things from a different perspective." The bruise on Andy's arm has long since faded, but he says he is glad it happened. "I am happy if it gives me the opportunity to further Christ's message," he said.

“That’s got to be some kind of message, that’s no coincidence” Devon man sees face of Jesus in bruise

POLICE have released CCTV of witnesses being sought in connection with a vicious late night assault in Exeter city centre. Officers previously released footage of a suspect who knocked a man unconscious and stamped on his head during the incident at McDonalds in the High Street. But they have yet to make a breakthrough in the case so have re-issued the appeal alongside new images of fellow fast-food diners who would have witnessed the attack. The victim Chris Murphy was knocked unconscious and had his head stamped in front of shocked customers. Investigating officer PC Oli Henton said he wants to speak to two friends or associates who are seen approaching the counter shortly before the attack. He stressed that they were not involved in the assault but would hold vital clues in solving the case. He said: "There was no response from the original appeal unfortunately so we have released additional stills that show the suspect with two friends or associates. "I have to emphasise that these are being treated as witnesses and they were not involved in the assault. "But I would like to appeal for them to contact the police or if anyone recognises either of them to call the police." Mr Murphy said he had little recollection of the evening's events from going outside for a cigarette at the Imperial at 7pm until he woke up in hospital 12 hours later. But the whole incident was captured on CCTV and police described it as a "nasty and vicious" attack. Mr Murphy said: "I don't remember anything before waking up in hospital at 7am the next day. "It was only when a friend told me I had been knocked unconscious that I realised anything had happened. I don't feel too shaken up but I am quite glad I don't remember it. I was shocked when I saw the CCTV." Mr Murphy, who lives in Honiton, said he was elbowed in the face, punched and had his head stamped on while he lay unconscious. "I was just out for a few drinks with some friends. We were going to get a taxi home so walked to McDonalds as a friend of mine wanted a burger. I don't know what sparked the incident." During the build-up to the attack, Mr Murphy is seen walking down the centre aisle and the suspect is already in the seating area, eating a burger. As he walks over, he says something and words are exchanged between the two. Police say it was not clear what is said. But a conversation is started and then within seconds the assault takes place. Contact PC Henton on 101 quoting crime reference number CR/100820/14.

Police release CCTV images after vicious attack inside Exeter McDonalds

People in Exeter are being urged to 'think twice' before dialling 999 or visiting hospital for medical help this Christmas. The South Western Ambulance Service (SWAS) said it received an "unprecedented" number of emergency calls over the weekend. During one 24 hour period in Devon the number of emergency calls was apparently up 37% compared to the same day last year. Across the wider South West calls were up 21% – equating to 2,500 calls every 24 hours. The Trust is asking people to consider other options, including calling the NHS 111 non-emergency number or getting advice from their pharmacy or GP. Ken Wenman, chief executive of SWAS, told BBC Spotlight: "Please think before you dial 999 and save that call for someone who really needs it. Whilst you're on a call unnecessarily someone may be trying to get an ambulance for a cardiac arrest, for someone who's unconscious, for someone who's severely bleeding or a mum that's about to delay a baby." The warning comes as accident and emergency services in Devon and Cornwall are said to be "creaking" under the strain of a massive surge in people demanding treatment. Pressures on England's A&E units hit record levels this month, with the lowest percentage of patients seen within four hours since monitoring began in 2010. Data showed just under 90% of patients were seen within four hours in the seven days up to December 14. The Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital admitted the Government target to admit or discharge patients within four hours of attendance at A&E was breached a number of times in the run up to Christmas. A spokesman urged people to think carefully before turning up with ailments that could be treated elsewhere. "Everyone attending our emergency department will receive the same high standard of care but the public can help us manage the pressures over winter by using it only for medical emergencies and seeking treatment for less urgent complaints and conditions elsewhere," he said. "Performance targets are important and we are strongly committed to achieving them consistently, putting in place robust staffing levels to cope with extra demand this winter." The NHS has revealed its top 12 unnecessary A&E visits of Christmas in a bid to get people to think twice about where they seek treatment. The list includes a torn fingernail, sore throat, ear ache, cold and sneezing, and a hangover.

'Please think before you dial 999 this Christmas,' says Exeter-based ambulance service

An Exeter student has been killed and another injured in a hot air balloon crash in Turkey. The balloon, which was carrying Chinese and Malaysian tourists, came down during a sightseeing ride in the Guvercinlik Valley in the central Cappadocia region. The student killed has been named as Tang Yi, 23, from China who was studying a Masters course in Finance and Management at the University of Exeter. The injured student is Zhang Zining, who is studying the same course. At least eight other people were also injured in the crash on December 17. An Exeter University spokesperson said: "We are deeply saddened by this tragic news and our condolences are with her family. The University of Exeter is offering ongoing support to the injured student." The spokesperson added that the students were not on a university-organised trip. The balloon had taken off from Goreme in Nevsehir province in the Central Anatolia region at around 6am local time. Paramedics and security forces were dispatched to the scene of the crash. The cause of the incident was unknown and an investigation was underway. Reports from Turkey said two hot air balloons, operated by a private company, crash-landed when a sudden gust of wind forced both to land. It is understood one balloon basket was dragged 150 meters, before it made a rough landing and flipped-over. A Turkish newspaper reported that 11 tourists – eight of them from China and Malaysia and three from Turkey – were injured. In 2009 a balloon crash in the same region killed a British tourist and injured nine other people. Last year three Brazilian tourists were killed, and 20 people injured, when two balloons collided in Cappadocia. Ballooning has become a popular tourist business in the region over the past decade.

Breaking: Exeter student killed in hot air balloon crash

Devon based documentary The Hotel will return toTV on Sunday for a fourth series. The new series of the 'real-life Fawlty Towers' follows Mark Jenkins two years after he was forced to sell his hotel The Grosvenor. Back in Torquay and alongside former colleague Alison Pennell, Mark takes on the new role of entertainment manager at the family-run Cavendish Hotel for five weeks. It is hoped that with its leaking roof and struggling finances, Mark's unique management style and madcap ideas can help to turn the hotel's fortunes around. Series producer Simon Kerfoot said: "Mark has been his own boss since he was 19 and now he has got to work for other people and live under their roof and rules. You can expect the odd firework. Mark goes in all guns blazing and puts his heart and soul into trying to help the family and prove himself. "We're really excited the series is back on again, and putting The Hotel and Torquay on the map. I think people really missed the show last year." The fly-on-the-wall show, which was watched by an average 2.8million people, has its critics. Carolyn Custerson, the chief executive of the English Riviera Tourism Company and chairman of Visit Devon, said the show has portrayed Torquay hotel standards in an 'unbalanced way which is unhelpful'. But hotel manager Richard Blagden said: "This will, hopefully, be good for business . Anything that puts Torbay on the map is good news." There are eight episodes in the series, starting on Sunday, December 28, at 8pm, on Channel 4.

Devon-based comedy documentary ‘The Hotel’ returns for fourth series

Feeling stressed? Don't worry, you are not the only one. According to a study festive stress tops at 2.33pm today - as last-minute shopping and worries over the festive dinner hit their peak. Panic sparked by money worries, cooking times and family politics means Christmas Eve is far from a relaxing affair for most of us. Last-minute shopping, finding fridge space for all the food and worrying about whether they have bought enough booze also add to the woes on December 24th, according to the 2,000 mums polled. And it doesn't end there. It also emerged a large percentage of us fret about unfinished wrapping and whether the kids will like their presents. Unfortunately most women will blame their husband or partner for their panic attacks, closely followed by the mother-in-law. A spokeswoman for Healthspan, the UK's vitamin and supplement brand which conducted the poll, said: "Stress compromises the immune system and makes you prone to the dreaded Christmas cold. "But even the most laid-back of women can turn into perfectionists at Christmas. "We need to cut ourselves some slack, aim for 'good enough' instead of perfect, and be aware that stress levels can creep up unnoticed. "Juggling work, children, the Christmas dinner and the in-laws is no mean feat, so it's understandable that stress levels will be pushed to the limit." The study also found 67 per cent of people find Christmas Day stressful with eight in 10 mums saying they always try to do "too much". And most women rated their stress levels as seven out of 10 over the Christmas period. The poll also found that for the average woman stress is most likely to manifest itself in the form of tiredness followed by anger and general "stroppiness". A third of women admit they get run-down in the run-up to Christmas and 28 per cent said they get emotional as their stress levels rise. One in 20 said as a result of their fraught mood they tend to drink more. Sally Brown, psychotherapist and registered member of the BACP, commented on the research saying: "There's no doubt a glass of wine after a busy day is a great way to relax, but drink too much and it has the opposite effect, increasing stress and reducing the quality of your sleep. "A brisk walk, a warm bath or 20 minutes on your own with a cup of tea and a good book are also great ways to wind down." In order to avoid as much stress as possible 31 per cent of busy mums are now opting to buy everything online and a resourceful one in 10 choose to use the wrapping service the retailers offer. One in 10 draft in their dear old mum to help and 15 per cent like to get their Christmas dinner pre-prepared. Other cheats women use to make the festive period less fraught are paying for hired help, giving money rather than presents or simply opting out of all the work and heading to someone else's house for the day. Three quarters of females said their partners don't get anywhere near as stressed as they do about the festivities, with 30 per cent getting annoyed about this. More than four in 10 said they think their partner should share some of the burden and responsibilities that Christmas can bring, although a controlling 34 per cent of women said they wouldn't trust them to do anything properly. But it's not all bad news and bah humbug as despite all the stress, a third of women said it was all worth it and just seeing how excited their children are is enough to remedy their stress. "We should all put 'enjoy yourself' at the top of our Christmas to-do list - if you're happy, the rest of the family will be happy," says Sally Brown.

Festive stress peaks at 2:33pm today

AN Exmouth mum has written to the family of her donor thanking them for the best Christmas present she could ever receive – a second chance of life. Last year Sarah Anderson was critically ill after her liver transplant went horribly wrong. She spent two weeks in a coma after her body initially rejected the organ. But fast forward 12 months and Sarah is looking forward to festive celebrations with her family she never thought she would have. Yet amidst the turkey, tinsel and trimmings, she will be reserving a special thank you for someone she had never met – the donor and their family who made her recovery possible. Sarah, 47, who works at EDF Energy in Exeter, said: "There is nothing I want for Christmas. I have everything I could ever wish for. Nothing could top the life-saving gift from my donor. "There is no way of ever expressing enough gratitude for what they have done." Sarah will be spending Christmas with 14 family members including her daughters Fiona, 16, and Louisa, 13. It is a far cry from her last year when she was allowed out of hospital for just two hours in a wheelchair. Sarah, has fought liver disease since she was 21, was placed on the transplant waiting list two years ago. A few months before the operation her health and quantity of life was deteriorating. Then in October she received the call that changed her life forever. She said: "To be on the list you need to be able to leave home at an hour's notice. I was at home in Exmouth and got a phone call at 10.50pm to say there was a possible organ for me. I was blue-lighted straight up to London and was in theatre by 8am. "But my transplant went wrong and my liver did not take. I was in an induced coma for two weeks. My body did not take the liver initially. I was put on the emergency waiting list for a second transplant but while I was waiting for the second liver, the first one started to work. "I was really poorly and was on life support for two weeks. In total I spent five and a half weeks at King's Hospital and seven weeks in Derriford. This time last year I could not walk." But Sarah was released from hospital in January and was back at work by April. "I feel fantastic. I have lost three stone and I have got my life back," she said. "There was no real Christmas last year but this year will be fab. Everyone is getting together to make the most of it and we know how different it could have been."

A second chance of life: Exmouth mum thanks donors for ‘best ever Christmas present’

Today is the big day – your chance to see Father Christmas flying over Devon. Excited children might catch a glimpse of "Santa's sleigh" tonight as the International Space Station is to pass over Devon. The International Space Station is going to be visible in the UK on Christmas Eve, and there's a growing movement on Facebook saying that children will be able to see Santa on his sleigh flying through the sky at the same time. The station is going to be visible for five minutes at 5:22pm on December 24. According to the NASA website, the ISS will be visible in Exeter at 5.22pm for five minutes, and for another minute at 6.59pm.

Who's looking forward to the awesome Geminid Meteor Shower and ISS passes in December? Maybe #ItsSantasSleigh ;) pic.twitter.com/n9KFAmqfO7
— Virtual Astronomer (@VirtualAstro) November 30, 2014

The light will track eastwards across the sky and will be visible if the weather is clear, which may be the case. The Met Office has said Christmas Eve will be 'A largely dry day with just a few showers, mainly towards the west. Despite the lighter winds and lengthy sunny spells it will be colder than of late.' You will be able to photograph the ISS going over head by using a DSLR camera or one which is able to take long exposure shots. Expert John Maclean added: "Incredibly important is having a tripod or somewhere you can place your camera without it getting vibrations or movement. "Find out when and where the ISS will be passing over your location and choose a part of the sky the ISS is passing through at which you can point your camera. "In this case the ISS will be coming from the West. You should quickly get the ISS in the frame, making sure you are focused and then open the shutter for between 15 and 60 sec. This will produce a long bright streak across the frame." Last year the International Space Station passed over Haldon Belvedere near Exeter in clear skies in late December, they combined to create this awe-inspiring visual. Captured by photographer John Baker at the 18th Century tower, also known as Lawrence Castle, near Exeter, the picture documents the short period the space station was in orbit over the South West. (See the photo above)

Santa #iss passes start next week in UK . Moon near misses too like this. Keep watching & @VirtualAstro pic.twitter.com/7FHlPdjd4E
— mark humpage (@mark_humpage) December 1, 2014

If you grab a snap of 'Santa' make sure to let us know on Twitter or Facebook and look out for our photos on New Years Day.

#ItsSantasSleigh: How to see Santa/The International Space Station in the sky tonight

Food poverty in Exeter has reached a new high as record numbers of people flocked to city's foodbank in the run-up to Christmas. Exeter Foodbank reported a seasonal rise in the number of adults and children who received emergency food ahead of December 25.

149 people were given food supplies in our busiest two hour distribution session of all time on Thursday. This is Christmas 2014. #Exeter
— Exeter Food Bank (@ExeterFB) December 22, 2014

It saw its "biggest ever" distribution session on December 18 when 149 people were given food supplies. Another 124 people received food on December 22 – the final session of the year. Joy Dunne, manager of Exeter Foodbank, said: "We have been very busy because lots of people are needing some extra help this Christmas. Everyone is stretched more, not just in Exeter but across the nation. "We've fed a lot of families, because there are no free school meals in the holidays. If you are a parent with three children, that's an extra 15 meals to provide. That's tough for them. "Our volunteers are outstanding. They have done a huge amount of work recently. At one point we ran out of food, so they rushed to our warehouse to restock. "Nobody wants to be living in poverty. A lot of people are ashamed of having to visit a food bank. We've seen individuals, families and pensioners. Everyone we see is so grateful."

Great to see so many generous gifts being donated by staff and students to @ExeterFB pic.twitter.com/cQHWkGULVT
— Exeter College (@ExeterCollege) December 12, 2014

She added: "Thank to everyone who has donated food. People in Exeter have been so generous. So many businesses have made donations, and one lady saved up a week's wages to donate food."

Thank you to @ExeterVineyard, who generously donated 60 wrapped Christmas gifts for EFB clients.
— Exeter Food Bank (@ExeterFB) December 23, 2014

Today we collected 374 items of food for @ExeterFB. Huge thank you to all the volunteers and everyone who donated! #BeyondFood #TeamvGo
— Bethany ‏† (@bethanyapayne) December 6, 2014

@ExeterFB @ColytonGrammar Colyton Grammar School is currently doing their 8th collection for the Exeter Foodbank. 600 items and counting...!
— Louise Fitzhenry (@LFitzhenry) December 3, 2014

Since November 2008, EFB has opened its doors every week to provide emergency food for people in 'crisis' – with little or no food nor money. Numbers have jumped from three or four people a week to between an average of around 80. Some 4,333 mouths were fed through the facility, based at the Mint Methodist Church, between October 2013 and September 2014 compared to 3,467 during the previous year.

Exeter families hit 'crisis' at Christmas as food bank has 'busiest-ever' session

Police have hailed a roads policing operation which took place on Monday on the M5 aimed at combating the 'Fatal Four' driving habits as a success. As part of Operation Vortex, police used a number of unmarked vehicles to help target motorists who disregard road traffic laws and cause danger to others. The operation focused on tackling the 'Fatal Four' behaviours - namely excessive or inappropriate speed, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, not wearing a seat belt and driver distractions including the use of mobile devices whilst behind the wheel. The Roads Policing Unit took action against 59 drivers for a range of offences including speeding and use of mobile phones. The list of offences included: 31 speeding offences 14 drivers pulled over for mobile phone use Four incidences of drivers not wearing seatbelts Two driving licence offences Two vehicles without a valid MOT Two incidences of driving without due care and attention One vehicle without insurance One lorry driver committing tachograph offences Three drivers not in proper control of their vehicle - Those not in control of their vehicle were breathalysed as a result of this offence but none blew over the drink-drive limit. Depending on the offence, those caught were issued warnings, given fixed-penalty tickets and can expect points to be added to their licence. A number of drivers will also be attending a speed awareness course in the New Year. Inspector Andy Hamilton, Head of Roads Policing, said: "We are pleased with the outcome of the operation and hope this will go some way to tackling complacent and reckless driving attitudes. "I am disappointed with the number of people we had to stop due to the driver using a mobile phone on the road. Not only is this illegal, it is a potentially fatal action as losing concentration, even only for a split-second, when travelling on a motorway can lead to devastating injury and can cost lives. "We will continue to carry out similar enforcement operations across the Force area to crack down on those drivers on our roads today who appear to have little if any thought for other road users."

Devon police take action against 59 drivers on M5 during crackdown

An east Devon widow who hates spending Christmas alone has created a new tradition after treating about 65 strangers to a festive lunch. Betty Williams, 86, paid £1,000 for the community meal for people who would otherwise be alone at the Lamb and Flag in Ottery St Mary on Tuesday. But the response to her gesture has been so big organisers say they will be able to repeat the event in years to come. Former teacher Mrs Williams who lost her husband 12 years ago, said she decided to make the gesture so others would not have to face Christmas on their own. A town crier, brass band and carol singing would also feature in the celebration, landlord Ron Miles said. Donors from around the world - including Europe, California and Australia - had now funded similar meals for the future, he added. Speaking during the lunch pub landlord Ron Miles said: "The atmosphere is electric. "It's been amazing. It's captured people's hearts around the world. We've donations from California, Australia, Ireland .We've had such an incredible response. "Betty is an incredible lady - it's such a wonderful gesture.We have such an incredible response we've collected just over £4,000 - enough funds for at least the next three years - and, with extra fundraising throughout the year, we expect it to be annual event. "This is special - it gives people the chance to come together and make new friends and be part of the community." The lunch menu included vegetable soup, seafood cocktail, turkey, beef or gammon carvery, seasonal vegetables, Christmas pudding or poached pear. Town mayor Glyn Dobson and members of the local Rotary Club had helped gather the guests who are all complete strangers, for what Mr Miles said was "going to be a really special day". He said: "Betty rang me one evening to say she'd been thinking of what to do for people who would be alone at Christmas and could I help organise it. "She gave me ten days and I wanted to do it in Ottery so I came to the Lamb and Flag and saw Ron. "She's an incredible lady making a wonderful, wonderful gesture."Betty Williams added: "I did it so people who would be alone could get together, have a meal and enjoy themselves. "I think the turnout is magnificent, I'm pleased to bits with it. "I wanted to give pleasure to some people and to get them out among friends. "It's important people aren't alone at Christmas. It's great." John Fisher who attended the meal said: "It's marvellous for Betty to give this for people to enjoy themselves who might otherwise be lonely."

Pictures: 50 strangers turn up as retired teacher spends more than £1,000 buying Christmas pub lunch in Ottery St Mary to stave off loneliness

The Northern Lights have been photographed from the UK after the lights were visible to the naked eye. The spectacle was seen in the early hours of Christmas Eve, as colours of green and pink appeared in the sky. Known as the Aurora Borealis, the natural wonder is caused by charged particles colliding in the Earth's atmosphere and is seen above the magnetic poles of the northern and southern hemisphere. Press Association photographers Owen Humphreys and Tom White braved the cold to capture the display, that could be seen near Bamburgh Castle, in Northumberland. Before a display, electrons and protons are hurled from the sun's atmosphere and are blown towards the Earth by the solar wind. Often these particles are then deflected by the Earth's magnetic field but as it is weaker at either pole, some particles enter the atmosphere and collide with gas particles. Usually the best spots to see the lights are those places close to the North Pole, such as Iceland and Norway.

Northern Lights seen from the UK on Christmas Eve

A car has been destroyed in a an arson attack in Exeter. Fire crews were called to Okehampton Street, Exeter at 1am this morning after reports of a vehicle on fire. A fire engine from Middlemoor was sent and upon arrival the incident commander confirmed one car well alight. The blaze was extinguished using breathing apparatus and a hose reel jet. Devon and Somerset Fire Service said the cause of the fire is thought to be deliberate which resulted in it being severely damaged.

Car destroyed in early morning Exeter arson attack

This year has been one packed with news – including storms and ghost ships full of cannibal rats…. The Echo had been bringing you local news and sports every day and here we present a run-down of the top 10 most read articles on expressandecho.co.uk this year. 1) Parents warned: Schools across Exeter on high alert after potential abductors seen approaching children 2) Picture: Large green fanged spider found in Exeter home 3) Breaking: Storm leads to flash flooding across Exeter 4) Update: Police confirm 12-year-old boy has died after collision with lorry on zebra crossing in Exeter 5) UPDATE: Devon County Show cancelled for first time in its history following health and safety concerns 6) Life is Toff Interview: The F***ing Fulfords are back in new BBC3 series 7) Ghost ship full of cannibal rats could be about to crash into Devon coast 8) Top 10 photos: Storm damage to Dawlish train line as major incident declared 9) Campaign launched to save Exeter mum suffering from one in seven billion double terminal illness 10) Mum's terror as baby strapped into buggy rolls into River Exe

Revealed: The 10 most read Express and Echo online articles of 2014

Did you see him? Devon residents have come forward in mass to share their pictures of 'Father Christmas' above the county. Although you may not have been able to make out Rudolph or any of the other reindeer bright light was seen flying in our skies at roughly 5:30pm today. By coincidence the sightings have also coincided with the passing of the International Space Station tonight too. Southerners enjoyed the best view of the man-made satellite, which looks like a small ball of light moving across the sky when viewed from earth. It crossed the sky at 5:33pm and was visible for about three minutes. A spokesman for the Met Office said: "The space station will be passing over – and it might look like santa's sleigh." Social Media was quickly flooded with images of the passing space station, see a select few below: Exeter University managed to get a snap of Mr Claus over campus, posting the image on Twitter:

Father Christmas just flew over #Exeter! Happy #Christmas everyone! #ISS #devon pic.twitter.com/JTryXsJJpV
— University of Exeter (@UniofExeter) December 24, 2014

As did @AstroExeter

He's on his way kids! #itssantassleigh #ISS pic.twitter.com/DTHcOczLCS
— John Maclean (@AstroExeter) December 24, 2014

Meanwhile The Dawlish beach cam caught Santa flying overhead, watch the video below:

Post by Dawlish Beach Cam.

And here's a selection of over snaps of Santa from social media across the country:

It's Santa!! @VirtualAstro #iss #ItsSantasSleigh pic.twitter.com/hADZskFO7X
— Chris Atterbury (@iCaptnSpaulding) December 24, 2014

Here's my #itssantassleigh (not #iss) pass from Broughton Castle. RAW shows Rudolph's nose! https://t.co/r3N1pAwJID pic.twitter.com/R1SY787Xd7
— Steve Knight (@Steve_P_Knight) December 24, 2014

#ISS Pass over Northants Imaged using @NightCapApp #ItsSantasSleigh @VirtualAstro pic.twitter.com/tMVhkSKbBC
— P A R K E R (@JP_Astronomy) December 24, 2014

@VirtualAstro #itsSantasSleigh On a practice run over my house !! pic.twitter.com/1xLdk2MpYi
— Petethehairdresser (@petehairdresser) December 24, 2014

Santa going over brum, moon just above the roof, @VirtualAstro #iss #ItsSantasSleigh #SpotTheStation pic.twitter.com/fICWFvPyRC
— grainge (@grainge) December 24, 2014

#ItsSantasSleigh – ‘Santa’ and The International Space Station pictured in the sky above Devon

Channel 4's annual hit show The Big Fat Quiz of The Year returns to our screens on Friday night. This year's show will see Jimmy Carr return to test the memories of celebrity contestants Richard Ayoade, David Mitchell, Mel B, Micky Flanagan, Sarah Millican and Kevin Bridges. Big Fat Quiz of the Year 2014 will be on Channel 4 at 9pm on Friday December 26.Watch last year's episode in full below

When is The Big Fat Quiz of The Year 2014 on and who is on it?

The Lottery results have been revealed for Wednesday 24th December. The rollover jackpot was on offer in Wednesday's National Lottery Lotto draw.The winning numbers were 7, 9, 13, 44, 47 and 48 with the bonus ball ball being 22. For those who have not won big on the main draw, there are even more chances to win than usual on the raffle game. Tonight, 500 lucky ticket-holders will scoop £20,000, so don't forget to check your tickets. Thunderball players can also check their tickets now and cross their fingers for winning the £500,000 top prize. Tonight's winning numbers are 22, 25, 26, 31 and 32 and the Thunderball itself was 12.

Lottery Results for Wednesday December 24th

£220 million funding boost to fix Devon's potholes 'not enough', says council