Local News

CLEAR-SIGHTED young people at an Exeter store have their eyes on a fulfilling career in the optical industry – and they are urging others to follow their apprenticeship lead.

During National Apprenticeship Week (10-16 February), there is a wide range of Devon organisations providing opportunities for people.

Among these is the Specsavers Exeter store, which has four young members of staff who have embarked on apprenticeships as the first step in their careers.

Among them is 19-year-old Alan Walsh, who is in the final stage of his Level 3 Optical Assistant...

Isca Academy had the privilege of welcoming Steve Race, the newly elected Member of Parliament for Exeter, to their school this term. Mr Race’s visit provided a unique opportunity for students and staff to engage in meaningful discussions about education, leadership, and community.

The day began with the school’s popular Friday morning Tea & Toast event, where Mr Race had the chance to meet with staff members. Following the informal gathering, he spent time with Isca’s Student Leadership Team, answering some thought provoking questions about politics and his role.

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A supervised toothbrushing scheme, known as the Big Brush Club, has been running in some areas of Devon, Plymouth and Torbay since 2023. However, the scheme, which is provided for 3-5 year old children in key stage 1, is now being rolled out to all primary schools in Devon who have an early years nursery, pre-school or reception class provision.

It is funded by NHS Devon, in partnership with Devon County Council, Plymouth City Council and Torbay Council, and delivered by dental provider At Home Dental.

Jonathan Bouwer-Davies, Clinical Dental Adviser for NHS Devon said: “...

Rootstock 2025, held last week at Westpoint, concluded with resounding success, welcoming 332 attendees and featuring a distinguished lineup of 15 speakers from across the UK including Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Rootstock is a unique event bringing together leading agricultural researchers with hands on farming practitioners to explore ways to enhance farm profitability in an increasingly challenging financial and environmental climate. Mel Bradley, Conference Organiser, expressed delight at the strong turnout and enthusiastic feedback from delegates, some of whom described...