News in Honiton

Expect to see plenty of people in pink sparkly costumes on East Devon's streets and pathways on Saturday, July 10, as they take part in their own Twilight Walks for Hospiscare.

Because of Covid restrictions, participants can't gather in one location. Instead, they can choose their own local route, and their own distance, and walk in small groups.

A group of students and staff from Honiton Community College sixth form are gearing up to walk and run 350 miles in relay – without leaving their college field.

The distance corresponds to the perimeter of Devon, and the route will be marked out on the field in the shape of the county, complete with landmark towns.

Donna Green is an East Devon based, professionally qualified pet behaviour expert. She offers dog training and animal behaviour advice to help owners understand their pets better and tackle behavioural problems.

In her latest column, she advises on how to train dogs to behave themselves at cafes and restaurants..

The number of patients inside Devon's hospitals following a positive Covid-19 test fell in the last week, but infection rates have risen by 146 per cent in Devon.

However, the rise in cases has not yet materialised into hospitalisations – although there is a lag between infection and illness which may not have seen enough time pass to take account for the most recent rise.

People renting homes in Devon are being urged not to be caught out by landlords' and letting agents' fees that are now banned.

Tenants, or potential tenants, can no longer be asked to pay extra for professional cleaning, or charged for having a pet. They shouldn't be asked to pay for drawing up contracts, or admin costs.

The benefits of robot pets are being highlighted by Honiton Carers Support Group, which wants to raise awareness of their availability to people living with dementia in Devon.

Several studies have shown that the robot pets give great comfort to elderly people with the condition, as well as those who feel lonely and isolated in care homes that can't allow real cats and dogs inside.

The Leonard Beavers planted marigold seedlings which Wendy from the Beehive gave us to start growing, and Jose Beavers planted begonias into the beehive flower garden.

Each year we help to plant flowers into the Beehive garden and help to make it look nice and colourful.

Honiton firefighters helped deal with a blazing van in a hedgerow on Saturday, June 19.

They were called out at 7.18am, along with crews from Ottery St Mary, to the incident at Venn Cross, Knowle Cross Lane, Whimple.

A Honiton woman who lost her engagement ring in Sidmouth last Thursday (June 17) is offering a £100 reward for its safe return.

Gaby Dyson had been sitting on Sidmouth's main beach – the part in front of Dukes – and thinks she may have lost the ring there, although she had also been in the Ham (West) car park.

Monday, June 21 is a significant date for pagans and astronomers – it's the day of the summer solstice.

Sunrise and sunset times vary according to your location; in Honiton the sun will rise at 4.59am on Monday, and set at 9.30pm.