The RSPCA launched its annual competition for budding young snappers to showcase their best images of animals yesterday.

The Young Photographer Awards 2013 (YPA13) welcomes all kinds of pictures from cheeky portraits of family pets to imaginative photos of wildlife and even close-ups of insects in a mix of categories open to young people under 19.

The competition is sponsored by Warners Midlands, supported by Olympus and Natures Images, and judged by a mix of photography professionals including presenter and wildlife expert Chris Packham.

Last year’s photos included...

Recent reduction in the use of antibiotic growth promoters in animal feeds has resulted in a dramatic increase in the severe poultry disease - necrotic enteritis .

New research suggests that the disease, which is costing the worldwide poultry industry an estimated £600 million a year, could be prevented by immunisation with a vaccine that is being developed at the University of Exeter.

Professor Richard Titball from Biosciences at the University of Exeter said:“Necrotic enteritis is a major concern for the poultry farming industry worldwide and poultry producers are waiting...

The BBC has announced it has recommissioned the popular Saturday night TV show that shot Adam Isaac into the public spotlight. Mark Linsey, Controller - Entertainment Commissioning, says: " The Voice has been a huge success for BBC One. Finding a Saturday night break-out hit is incredibly difficult, but this show hit the ground running and it's fantastic to ensure its future on the channel."

Moira Ross, Head of Entertainment at Wall To Wall, and the show's executive producer says: " The Voice is a global format phenomenon and it's been an extraordinary ride crafting it into a much-...

Devon has a variety of waterways from marinas, canals, lakes, coastal inlets, harbours and quays. Throughout Boat Safety week 25- 31 May, firefighters will be handing out leaflets and talking to boat owners to ensure they make vital safety checks, helping them to protect themselves, their passengers as well as their boat.

Watch Manager Nigel Snowshall from White Watch in Exmouth spoke with Chris Wilton, harbourmaster at Exmouth Marina. Chris said: “Exmouth Marina is delighted to support the Boat Safety campaign being run by Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Service. Any scheme...

A much anticipated revamp of an uninspiring playpark in Beer has taken a step closer to completion as local children have chosen their favourite design.

Beer Parish Council and East Devon District Council have been working closely together and with local people to make £17,500 worth of eagerly anticipated improvements to the Ash Hill play area. £7,500 has been contributed by developers through Section 106 funding for play.

This type of contribution was a condition of planning approval for a number of developments in the area. Beer Parish Council then successfully applied...

The champagne corks were popping for Optix Solutions, one of the South West’s leading web design and online marketing agencies, at the Express and Echo 2013 Business Awards this year.

Not only was Optix Solutions’ Director Alastair Banks winner of the Entrepreneur of the Year, Alastair and Co-Director James Dawkins picked up the award for Employer of the Year.

"It was an amazing night" said Alastair, "we are having such a great year and feel honoured to have been recognised in our local community. Optix has gone from strength to strength and we couldn’t have done this...

On Saturday 1 June, Tudor enthusiasts will be given a rare opportunity to experience life in the late 16th century in one of Exeter’s finest historical buildings: St Nicholas Priory.

With the exclusive use of the Priory, participants can immerse themselves in Tudor life with the History Re-enactment Workshop’s Tudor family. Activities include cooking, sewing and needlecrafts, writing, still room work and song and dance. Bring an apron, notepad, shoes you can dance in and a packed lunch. Tea and coffee are provided.

Running from 10am to 5pm, tickets £40 (£30) are available...

A full line-up of special food and drink events being held during June to celebrate Devon’s finest restaurants has been revealed. Nearly 40 eateries across the county will be getting behind ‘Devon Restaurant Month’ by organising their own unique event or promotion to raise awareness of award-winning food and drink and increase their custom in the process. This year, the programme includes coffee roasting, cookery demonstrations, champagne dinners, a barbeque beach party and a house and garden open day, as well as British Tapas, local seafood menus, suppers and lunches and a wide range of...

Exeter solicitor Debbie Hamzij, who started as a receptionist, has recently been promoted to partner within law firm WBW.

Debbie first entered the legal profession in June 1987 in a clerical role with a firm which amalgamated with WBW Solicitors in 1989. She then became a secretary and later rose to become a legal executive in 1996. After studying at Exeter University, she qualified as a solicitor in 2003.

Mrs Hamzij said: “It’s a nice feeling to have gone from receptionist to partner. I have always believed in working hard and it’s great to have got to where I am now. The...