Devon

Motorists are being urged not to leave valuables on show in their vehicles when visiting beauty spots in Devon and Cornwall.

The warning comes from police after thieves targeted a vehicle on Dartmoor on Monday 6 May.

Thieves forced the door of the locked Nissan Micra in a car park between Poundsgate and Dartmeet around 6pm and stole a handbag.

The handbag contained a driving licence, bank cards, a small amount of cash and a £400 iPhone 5.

Police are urging anyone who may have seen anything suspicious to contact them and are asking the public to be on their...

The number of people worshipping in Devon's Anglican churches has risen over the past year by more than one per cent, the latest attendance figures have shown.

There has been an upward trend in the recorded average weekly attendance since 2008, with the latest figure reaching 27,100 in 2011.

The number of children attending church or church related projects has also risen signficantly, to 3,800 in 2011 (the latest available figures).

The number of people going to a church service at Christmas is also up significantly, in common with other dioceses across the Church...

BAM Construction - Western Ltd, the contractors responsible for building the new Montgomery Primary School in Revers Road, St Thomas, have won a prestigious National Gold Award from the Considerate Constructors Scheme.

The annual awards, run by the Scheme, recognise the highest levels of consideration and care shown by construction sites throughout the UK towards their local neighbourhood, the general public, site staff and the environment. Only 77 UK sites achieved the gold standard this year from over 7000, making this site’s achievement particularly significant.

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Half of all women working in the South West earn less than the Living Wage, according to new research by Fair Play South West. The gender equality organisation supported by Equality South West has analysed provisional data from the Office of National Statistics Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings, and learned that while just 19% of men in the South West earn less than £7.45 per hour, the figure for women is 47%. Jackie Longworth, Chair of Fair Play South West, said: "Women workers suffer from the double whammy that they earn less per hour than men and they work fewer paid hours per week...

Exeter College art students showcase their talents this month in the city centre. The annual Foundation Degree Summer Show is open to the public, and provides an opportunity for prospective applicants to see the high standard of work produced. Exhibits include Fine Art, Graphic Communication, Photography and Digital Arts.

In partnership with Plymouth University, students can top up their Foundation Degree to a full BA with an optional third year in Plymouth.

The free show is open on weekdays for the last two weeks of May at the Centre for the Creative Industries, Victoria...

The results from the Devon County Council elections have been announced, revealing that the Conservatives have retained overall control with 38 seats, a net loss of 3 and a 35.6% share of the vote. The Lib Dems have 9 seats, a net loss of 4 and a 15.9% share. Labour have 7 seats (all of which are in Exeter), gaining 2 seats and a 13.3% share. UKIP won 4 seats for the first time, and a share of 23.2%. Independents won 3 and the Green Party 1 seat.

The results place UKIP in second place in terms of share of the vote with the Lib Dems second on number of seats.

There was an...

Exeter Chiefs' head coach Rob Baxter believes the efforts his players have put in this season in the Aviva Premiership means they should be crowned with a place amongst Europe's elite next term.

With just tomorrow's sold-out home date against Gloucester remaining for the Devon club, they enter into Round 22 knowing a Heineken Cup place is within their grasp. Victory for the Chiefs this weekend will not only guarantee them of the final qualification spot, but it could also see Baxter's side leapfrog their rivals in the league standings and potentially claim fifth spot for a second...

Police discovered the body of a woman at Kes Tor on Dartmoor near Chagford at around 10.50pm yesterday (2 May).

The deceased is thought to be a woman in her 40s from the Chagford area.

Next of kin have been informed, and although formal identification has not yet taken place it is likely that the woman is Fay Charters who was reported missing in the area last night.

The death is not being treated as suspicious and a report will be prepared for the coroner.

Police, the police helicopter, Dartmoor Rescue Group and Ashburton Search and Rescue Team assisted in...

South West Water today confirmed its reservoirs are ready to cope with the millions expected to head west this summer and it expects no water restrictions for the 17th consecutive year.

That's good news ahead of the first May Bank Holiday, which tourism chiefs are hoping will be the first of many sun-baked weekends. Eight million tourists visit the region every year, raising the demand for water by up to a third during the busiest weeks.

Total storage in the region's 21 reservoirs now stands at 94.7% - with five completely full - compared to 88.5% at this time last year....