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Eight to 10 beach huts have been destroyed in an explosion at Oddcimbe beach early on Monday. Three fire engines from Torquay and Paignton were called at 5.20am and arrived to find a third of the two-storey beach chalets and shop building alight. The road to the beach was cordoned off as firemen continued to damp down hotspots at the building. Richard House, who owns a shop at Oddicombe said: "There was an explosion in one of the chalets above the cafe. Eight to 10 of the chalets have all gone. "I have storage underneath. That, and the visitor centre, and EF's building are all ok." On arrival the crew confirmed that this was a building alight and requested the attendance of an additional fire engine which was sent from Paignton shortly followed by a further request for a third fire engine which was sent from Torquay. The building is used as shops and beach accommodation and fire crews said that 30per cent was well alight when they arrived. Crews worked using four sets of breathing apparatus, a main jet and a hose reel jet attempting to extinguish the fire. The fire has been contained to the first floor and crews are currently dampening down hotspots awaiting the reattendance of the Police.

Explosion destroys eight beach huts at Oddcimbe beach

Echo readers have raised concerns over a picture that seems to show super-star rapper Snoop Dogg smoking on stage inside an Exeter nightclub.

Snoop, who performed in Exeter on Saturday under his DJ name Snoopadelic, is pictured with what appears to be a rolled cigarette in his mouth and at one point lighting an object.

One commenter on The Echo website said: "Image 11 clearly shows him lighting something, am I correct in assuming that Timepiece club and their management are exempt from the smoking laws? If not is one also correct in assuming that the council will be issuing the mandatory £2000 fine?"

The smoking ban came into play in England in 2007, making it illegal to smoke in all enclosed work places in England.

However a loophole in the law allows smoking on stage "where the artistic integrity of a performance makes it appropriate for a person to smoke".

The Echo is waiting on a comment from Exeter City Council to see if they will be looking into the complaint.

If he is indeed smoking it would not be the first time the 42-year-old, who has sold 30 million albums globally, has caused controversy by smoking inside. In July this year the rapper claimed he has smoked marijuana in The White House. During an interview with Jimmy Kimmel the rapper said:: "In the bathroom. Not in the White House — but in the bathroom. Because I said, "May I use the bathroom for a second?" And they said, "What are you going to do? No. 1 or No. 2?" I said, "No. 2."

Read our review of Snoop Dogg's DJ set in Exeter on Saturday here.

Update to follow

Did Snoop Dogg smoke on stage in Exeter?

A robbery gang have been handed long jail sentences for a brutal raid on a holiday camp in which they attacked a worker with an axe and hammer. The four men from Somerset travelled to Dawlish Warren on the last night of the August Bank Holiday last year and lay in wait for the manager of the Golden Sands Holiday Park as he banked the bumper £10,000 takings. The masked men forced their way into the office, attacked a doorman who tried to resist and left him with serious injuries after battering him with a fireman's axe as he tried to shelter behind a washing machine. Victim Timothy Harrison suffered deep cuts to his body and legs from the axe, a broken cheekbone, arm and shoulder and wounds to his head from a hammer. At one point he was cowering on the ground and Lockyer continued raining blows from the axe while shouting;"I'm going to f***ing finish you off." He is still off work and receiving treatment and counselling for the psychological effects of the attack, Exeter Crown Court was told. The gang were caught because the quick witted owner of the neighbouring Lady's Mile site was suspicious of a car parked in a lane nearby and took a picture of it. Craig Lockyer, aged 28, of Hillside Close, Radstock; Karl Daniels, aged 35, of Wookey, Somerset; and Dean Smart, aged 27, of Southlands, Bath, admitted robbery. Getaway driver Michael Kelly, aged 21, of Liddiatt Lane, Bath admitted conspiracy to burgle. Lockyer was jailed for 12 years, Daniels for 11 years six months, Smart for eight years and Kelly for three years and nine months by Judge Francis Gilbert, QC. He told the gang:"The most serious aspect of this case is the extreme violence which was used with Lockyer and the axe and by one of the others. "Daniels and Smart did not have the axe but did nothing to prevent Lockyer from inflicting very serious injuries. You knew he had the axe and it was to be used at the very least to threaten. "There was pre planning. You were wearing disguises, the offence was at night and you targeted a significant sum of money. The level of gratuitous violence takes this out of the sentencing guidelines." Mr Adrian Chaplin, prosecuting, said Kelly drove the other three to the Golden Sands and waited in a lane while they his in bushes until manager Mr Joshua Youens-Stunell and maintenance worker Mr Timothy Harrison emerged from the entertainment complex and went to the office to put the £10,000 takings in the safe. Lockyer, Daniels and Smart were all wearing balaclavas, gloves and dark clothing and Lockyer was armed with an axe. Mr Chaplin said:"They told Mr Harrison to get down and threatened him with a fireman's axe. He struggled with Lockyer, who he said was acting like a beast and a raging bull. "He was extremely violent and Mr Harrison was pushed up against a wall where he felt a blow to the back of his head. He went to the ground and a man hit him from behind with a hammer. "He curled up to protect himself with his head jammed against a washing machine and the man with the axe shouted 'I'm going to f***ing finish you off'." Mr Charles Rowe, for Lockyer, said he was under the influence of drink and cocaine and needed money to pay off debts. Mr Piers Norsworthy, for Kelly, said he owed money to Lockyer and agreed to drive him to the raid without realising the level of violence which would be used. Mr Richard Crabb and Mr Kevin Hopper, for Daniels and Smart, said they had not taken weapons to the scene and not taken part in the violence. They had both admitted their involvement.

Pictured: Gang jailed for axe robbery at Dawlish holiday camp

ENVIRONMENTAL Health officers are investigating an outbreak of sickness and diarrhoea at River Dart Country Park at the weekend with more than 40 people falling ill on Saturday. The pirate ship lake at the holiday park near Ashburton has been drained and closed while the source of the sickness bug is investigated. The owners of the holiday park confirmed that 40 cases had been reported by Saturday, with five more on Sunday and one on Monday. Samples and specimens have been passed to South Hams District Council Environmental Health department. Results of tests are expected in two days' time. General Manager Roger Sell said: "A number of diarrhoea and vomiting cases were reported over the weekend and the team at River Dart Country Park is doing everything that it can to find the source and eradicate the problem." He said symptoms 'seem to last 12 hours'. He said 'a large amount' of people who had become ill had not been in or near the pirate lake, but they had closed it as a precaution. "River Dart Country Park takes the health and safety of its visitors incredibly seriously and we have been in close contact the South Hams District Council Environmental Health to seek appropriate recommendations, as well as implementing our own procedures, which have included draining the lake and stopping all activity in the river/lake areas," he said. "Samples of the water from the lakes and River Dart have been taken and have now been passed on for testing and we await the results. "Additional cleaning and sanitising of all amenity blocks have been implemented and alcohol hand sanitiser is available at all our food outlets and sickness incident forms have also been handed out to those affected. "We are pleased to report that there have been no further cases reported since 8am this morning and are very thankful to all our visitors for the support we have received from them. "We wish all those who have suffered from this bug a speedy recovery and would like to remind those who have a day visitor pass that there is a free seven day return included." The company first reported the outbreak on its Facebook page saying: "We have received reports of a few cases of D&V and are currently trying to identify the source. The lakes are fed by the River Dart and as a precaution we have closed the lakes whilst the water is tested. We have also flushed the lakes through just in case." The company posted another statement later that day, saying: "We would like to assure everyone that we are taking this incident very seriously as it is not one we have ever experienced before in the 38 years we have been open. "We have taken water samples from Dam Pool, Pirate Ship Lake and Canoe Lake to a public health laboratory for testing. The Pirate Ship Lake has been drained and closed to all public." At 9pm on August 9, holidaymaker Phil Mackay commented below the post saying: "At least 15 in our party were affected last night and judging by the noises coming from all loos on site at 3am this morning we were not alone. Some of the children were so ill we've been forced to pack up and go home early. Utterly disappointed!" He later commented again saying: "Our latest tally is 18 ill with violent vomiting and diarrhoea. It seems to take about 24 hours from arriving to falling ill. "We arrived on Thursday and used the lake in the afternoon, during Friday evening 11 children and adults in our group were taken ill. The rest of the party arrived on Friday and used the lake in the afternoon. We left on Saturday evening as our break had been ruined and all the Friday swimmers are now ill at home!" Other holidaymakers have been left less frustrated, with Tina Bowring commenting: "We arrived on Friday and the kids were in the water that day and have been absolutely fine. River Dart was so helpful and the staff brilliant. Hope they get it sorted soon. We had a brilliant weekend and will be back soon." The River Dart carried out a survey on Saturday of how many people had contracted the illness and where they had been in the park. He said a large amount of people hadn't been anywhere near the Pirate Ship Lake, but as a precaution it was closed. When asked about refunds, he said the company are dealing with everyone on an individual basis.

Investigation after more than forty people fall ill at River Dart Country Park

A Devon bride has lost half of her body weight after being so shocked by how she looked in her wedding photos. Vicky Jennings, 27, from Newton Abbot had to buy a size 20 dress for her wedding and attended regular fittings, every six to eight weeks, to ensure the dress would be perfect for the special day. And just days before the wedding, her dress had to be let out a further two inches. After the big day Vicky decided enough was enough and set about getting fit. Now, one year on, Vicky has dropped from 16st to 8st - meaning she has lost more than half her body weight. Speaking about the motivation she needed to lose the weight, she said: 'It was the week before my wedding, I went for a final dress fitting. There were about six to eight weeks between all of the fittings and up until that point it had fit fine. 'On the final fitting the zip just wouldn't do up, I had to have it taken out an inch either side, so two inches in total. 'The dress was a size 20, which annoyed me anyway - I did not believe that I was that size at all. 'When they had to let the dress out it was absolutely horrifying. I was mortified. It was the last thing I needed. 'At first I started scoffing to make myself feel better but then I put my foot down and decided it was time to lose weight.' Vicky piled on the weight eating up to five take-aways a week and drank up to five cans of cola a day. She said: 'I was never really big as a child or anything. The weight piled on as I was with my now-husband. 'We just felt so comfortable that neither of us really thought about what we were eating - we didn't really care. 'The problem was that we didn't really cook at home. It just got to the point where we would rely on frozen meals and take-aways. 'We'd probably have five take-aways a week. My favourite were doner kebabs. I'd have one a week. 'I also lived on full-fat coke. I'd have four or five cans of it a day. I just didn't realise how bad for you it was.' After looking at her wedding pictures she decided enough was enough and joined her local Slimming World, where she learned how to cook healthy, fat-free meals. She added: 'My life has changed dramatically, I think even just doing the everyday things. I didn't realise how restricted my life had been beforehand. 'I used to hate going to the beach because I would always wear long sleeved T-shirts. Now I can go to the beach with the kids and we can all have a fantastic time. 'I also used to refuse to walk anywhere, I would get my husband to drop me off at the entrance to places before he'd go and park the car. I didn't even realise I was doing it. But now I walk everywhere and the kids join in with me - it's great. 'My confidence has just rocketed since I lost the weight - it's unbelievable. I've got my life back.'

Devon newlywed loses half her body weight after becoming ‘mortified’ by wedding photos

President Obama has led tributes to comedian Robin Williams who has died at the age of 63.

The Good Will Hunting and Good Morning Vietnam star died at his home in California.

An autopsy is due to take place today, but it is believed the star may have taken his own life.

<blockquote lang="en-gb"><p>"Robin Williams was an airman, a doctor, a genie, a nanny ... and everything in between. But he was one of a kind." —President Obama</p>— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) <a href="https://twitter.com/BarackObama/statuses/499002971573981184">August 12, 2014</a></blockquote>

Marin County Police said he was pronounced dead at his home shortly after officials responded to an emergency call around noon local time.

President Obama said: ""He made us laugh. He made us cry. He gave his immeasurable talent freely and generously to those who needed it most - from our troops stationed abroad to the marginalised on our own streets."

I could not be more stunned by the loss of Robin Williams, mensch, great talent, acting partner, genuine soul.
— Steve Martin (@SteveMartinToGo) August">https://twitter.com/SteveMartinToGo/statuses/49897... 11, 2014

His wife Susan Schneider, issued a statement after the tragic news.

'This morning, I lost my husband and my best friend, while the world lost one of its most beloved artists and beautiful human beings.

'I am utterly heartbroken. On behalf of Robin's family, we are asking for privacy during our time of profound grief.

'As he is remembered, it is our hope the focus will not be on Robin's death, but on the countless moments of joy and laughter he gave to millions.'

His family also issued this statement on the tragic passing of the Oscar winner.

'Robin Williams passed away this morning. He has been battling severe depression of late,' Mara Buxbaum, press representative, said in a statement.

'This is a tragic and sudden loss. The family respectfully asks for their privacy as they grieve during this very difficult time.'

President Obama leads tributes to Robin Williams who has died aged 63

Styles make fights, as the old boxing adage goes, and Tom Nichols believes that Bournemouth's style could play right into Exeter City's hands in the Capital One Cup tonight. The two sides clash at St James's Park in the first round of the League Cup, with the Grecians coming off the back of an encouraging 1-1 draw at home to Portsmouth in their League Two opener on Saturday. Nichols scored in that match, but Eddie Howe's visitors trumped that result with a 4-0 thrashing of Huddersfield Town in the Championship, with Mark Robins leaving the Terriers the next day. With the onus on The Cherries to pick up a result, Nichols thinks City's ability to hit teams on the counter could work perfectly. "It plays into our hands a little bit, I think," said the 20-year-old. "We tend to play well against teams that like to play football, which Bournemouth like to do. Teams like to attack us and with our shape, we can contain them, hit them on the break and create chances. "Against Reading and Swansea we created a few chances and if we can put them away and keep them out at the other end, then we could well have an upset. "Bournemouth only just beat Huddersfield 4-0 on Saturday, so it looks as though they could struggle this year. "It will be a very tough game. They are a very good side, but we are going to give it our all. We don't fear anyone, we will try and play the way we like to play and if we get a result, then great. If we don't, then it is on to Argyle (on Saturday). "I have never been at a club where you are expected to win things, it is never too much different at Exeter, but I think we are relishing being underdogs and we will just play the way we can play and I am sure we will do fine." How strong the Grecians' line-up will be remains to be seen after illness swept through the camp last night. It affected a number of senior players which saw them lose up to a stone in weight, leading to Paul Tisdale naming himself on the bench for the Pompey draw. Nichols admits the bug has affected the morale in the camp, but says they are now making a recovery. "I feel it has deflated us a little because we were all feeling good and feeling fresh," Nichols continued. "I know we lost to Torquay, but we were training with 10 players and that deflated us a little bit, but I am really pleased we got that point against Portsmouth because it has given us a big lift going into Bournemouth. "We had four or five boys that trained once last week and weren't at peak performance and the bug has really taken it out of them. "I know some of them were only on the bench because they weren't 100 per cent, but hopefully with a bit of rest over the weekend and by the time we play Bournemouth, they will be raring to go. "I think most of them are over it now and they are just trying to regain their strength. But at the time, I wouldn't go anywhere near them." Meanwhile, former Plymouth Argyle midfielder Dan Gosling says he is raring to make his full debut for Bournemouth in tonight's clash. The Brixham-raised player is tipped to start after coming off the bench in Saturday's win, having joined from Newcastle over the summer. Howe is expected to name a much-changed line-up for the game, and the 24-year-old is ready to seize his chance. "I don't know the team yet, but I want to play every game, whether it's in the Championship or the League Cup," he said. "At this stage of the season the games come thick and fast, so I'm sure I will get a chance." Among other Bournemouth players who could likely make their first start of the season are ex-Reading full-back Ian Harte, former West Ham winger Junior Stanislas and strikers Brett Pitman and Tokelo Rantie. Exeter City (from): Pym, Hamon; Butterfield, Woodman, Bennett, Baldwin, Sercombe, Oakley, Keohane, Davies, Grimes, Dawson, Tisdale, Nichols, Wheeler, Riley-Lowe, Tillson, Jay, Pope, Watkins. Unavailable: Moore-Taylor, Reid. Visit exeterexpressandecho.co.uk/sport to follow live minute-by-minute updates of the Capital One Cup clash between Exeter City and Bournemouth.

Exeter City v Bournemouth: Match preview

TENS of thousands of children in the South West are members of debt-plagued families, according to new research. Almost 97,000 families in the region are failing to keep up with household bills and loan repayments, according to the results of a study by The Children's Society and StepChange Debt Charity. An estimated 168,000 children in the region are living in families with debt problems. Each struggling family is behind on payments by an average of £4,000 and across the region families owe a total of £396 million in bills and loans. The study found that debt puts stress on relationships and "traps families in a downward spiral of borrowing". The study says: "While household budgets up and down the country are under strain, families with dependent children face extra pressures as they are more likely to face unexpected bills and are less able to cope with sudden financial shocks such as redundancy, reduced hours or illness." The Children's Society and StepChange Debt Charity are calling on the Government to take urgent measures to improve the situation. A 'breathing space' scheme to give struggling families an extended period of protection from additional charges is one of the partnership's suggestions. Another is to review whether the protection for children against harm caused by debt collection is working. They also suggest providing more access to debt support and advice and urge the Government to impose tighter restrictions on advertising loans to children. Chief executive of The Children's Society Matthew Reed said: "Families in the South West are increasingly relying on debt as a way to make ends meet. " But we're in danger of ignoring the impact this is having on children now and in the future. We cannot allow children to pay the price of debt. "With little savings to fall back on, it can take just one unexpected setback - like illness or being made redundant – to tip a family over the edge and into a debt trap that can feel impossible to escape from." Mike O'Connor, chief executive of StepChange Debt Charity, said: "This research is a stark warning to policymakers, creditors and the wider society of the devastating effects of debt on children. "Families face a unique set of pressures, but the sad reality is that for many parents credit which is often unsustainable has become the only way to cover their essential household bills."

Tens of thousands of Devon children found to live in debt-plagued families

Devon police are asking for the public for their help in tracing a man who exposed himself to a 16-year-old girl Police want to identify the man who has been seen riding to and from woodlands at Burlescombe on a mountain bike. On Sunday, at 4.30pm, a 16-year-old girl reported a man indecently exposing himself to her in the woodlands between Burlescombe Motors and the canal. The man has been described as being in his 30s, of average build, around 5ft 8ins tall, with a dark complexion and short, dark hair. He was wearing a black and grey baseball cap. PCSO Jonathan Sims said: "The man had a mountain bike with him and appears to have ridden the bike to Burlescombe." The man may also have been seen sitting on the bench by the canal bridge by the disused railway line at Burlescombe on another occasion, also with a bicycle and possibly wearing grey shorts. PCSO Simms said the man tried to engage the female in conversation and it is suggested he may have a foreign accent. PCSO Sims said the incident would have been distressing for the lone young woman and urged anyone with information to contact police. "Anyone who sees a male matching this description is asked to ring police on 999," he said. The case is being investigated by Tiverton CID and the crime reference number is CR/097406/14.

Police appeal to identify mountain biker who exposed himself to girl

Superstar "happy-go-lucky" US rapper Snoop Dogg stayed at the Holiday Inn Express hotel near Sowton in Exeter after his exclusive DJ set at Timepiece on Saturday, the Echo can reveal. The 42-year-old, who is one of the world's biggest rap stars, and his entourage, checked out at 3pm on Sunday after chatting with staff and customers and having his photo taken. As soon as he got off stage after headlining at Boardmasters suff festival in Newquay, Snoop Dogg was whisked up to Exeter by Exeter taxi firm Gemini Taxis. The star and his posse had specifically requested Hennessey Champagne and Grey Goose vodka upon their arrival to Timepiece nightclub at around 12.45am, which they enjoyed until they vacated at just after 3am. Snoop Dogg got paid around £22,000 for the two hour gig at Timepiece which had the 400-strong sell-out crowd dancing non-stop. All tickets, priced at £55 were sold which paid for hosting the rapper who has sold around 30 million albums worldwide and who has collaborated with some of the world's greatest hip hop and rap stars including Dr Dre, Pharrell, Warren G and the late Tupac Shakur. Nathan Guscott, drove Snoop and his crew in one of two executive cars from Newquay to Exeter and then on to the hotel. "When we collected him and he'd just come off stage he was buzzing from the festival, they were all in a good mood and having a laugh and a giggle, but seemed quite tired. "Snoop seemed quite chilled out. "After the gig, they all seemed pretty relaxed and in high spirits and were talking about the gig. "When he got out he thanked me and shook my hand. "He was really pleasant and having been a fan of his from a young age, it was an honour to work for him." Debbie Hamnett, general manager at the Holiday Inn Express Exeter, said Snoop was the perfect guest and said the booking for several rooms had been made back in July. "We didn't know it was him until he checked in," she said. "All the team were in awe and just thought, wow, out of all the hotels in Exeter and he's staying here! "He had a late check out at 3pm and spent time chatting to the staff and having his photo taken with them and customers. "He was very pleasant and very polite and happy go lucky. "They left the rooms in an absolutely perfect state." Snoop Dogg is thought to have been offered substantially more cash to play at other venues, including one on the island of Jersey, but he honoured his commitment to Exeter. The once-in-a-lifetime event was staged thanks to Dave Meylan who owns music events promotion company Friday Flava Ltd, who collaborated with Timepiece owner George Sloane to make it happen. George, said: "When he agreed, I thought he must have got us mixed up with another club! "But they had done all their research and knew it was used to be an old church, had seen the pictures of the old gravestones, knew it was a small club and apparently Snoop was really excited about an intimate evening. "The feedback has been fantastic," he added. "People really enjoyed it, they loved the music, the dance floor was still full at 3am and they didn't want him to stop."

Exeter Holiday Inn staff speak of

Exmouth police are looking for the public's help in identifying this man after several items were stolen from a shop in the town. The man is wanted in connection with an incident where an offender went into Boots in Magnolia Shopping Centre, Exmouth and removed the security device from two items. He then concealed them in a bag and left without paying. The man pictured is described as white, in his early thirties, wearing a green baseball cap, cream and brown jumper, brown cargo trousers and white and black trainers. The incident took place on 15th of March this year. Anyone with information is asked to contact 101 quoting police reference CR/057179/14.

Do you recognise this man? Exmouth police appeal after theft from Boots

A LEGAL challenge over plans to replace Exeter cricket pavilion with blocks of student flats has been dropped. Instead, Exeter St James Forum, which was considering the challenge, and developers Yelverton Properties have reached an agreement which will see the external appearance of the multi-storey blocks and the replacement pavilion changed. Permission for the demolition of the current pavilion and its replacement with four blocks of student flats and a new cricket pavilion was granted by the city council's planning committee in June. The forum's challenge against the city council was never about the re-development of the cricket club, but rather heritage, environmental and design policies. The forum sent a pre-action protocol letter to the city council prior to considering further action but this has now been dropped after receiving a commitment from Andrew Davis of Yelverton to implement changes. Jo Hawkins, on behalf of the forum's steering group, said: "It's a compromise, but a satisfactory outcome for all concerned. "Andrew is to be credited for his willingness to encourage his architects to work with us to deliver a more interesting and acceptable scheme." Forum members with professional expertise will be meeting the architects to discuss ideas for changes to the external appearance. Once agreed, Yelverton Properties will submit a non-material amendment to the council which has indicated that no further consultation would be required. Ms Hawkins added: "Initiating the challenge was a difficult decision and there were good grounds to proceed, but we feel it has achieved much of its purpose. "In addition to a better looking scheme, we have had a friendly and constructive discussion with the council on how to involve the forum and its design panel in future applications. "The forum had not opposed the principle of replacing the small and outdated pavilion with development that would allow the cricket club to stay at the ground in a new pavilion. "The neighbourhood plan for St James has a policy specifically drafted to achieve this. "We did not intend the old pavilion to be replaced by four multi-storey blocks, however, and certainly not without a viability report explaining why this scale of development on a prominent site in the conservation area was justified, or a more thorough assessment of the impact of the new development." Ms Hawkins further added: "It was both disappointing and, after two years of preparing the Neighbourhood Plan, dispiriting to find our policies on the cricket club, heritage and design, brushed aside by Exeter City Council. A legal challenge was the only action available to us if we wanted to defend the Neighbourhood Plan and ensure that we and the planning officers find a better way of working together." Mr Davis told the Echo: "On behalf of Yelverton Properties I can say that we are pleased that this matter has been resolved and we look forward to continuing to work with the St James Forum to deliver the project."

Legal challenge against Exeter cricket pavilion student flats plans is dropped

Exeter's cinema highlight of the year is starting in Exeter tomorrow with Northernhay Gardens big screen in the park event returning. The four night event will start tomorrow with the screening of The Lego Movie The event is run by Exeter Phoenix and the films will be: Wed 13 Aug – The Lego Movie: Thu 14 Aug – Rush: Fri 15 Aug - The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou: Sat 16 Aug – Gravity: A representative of The Phoenix said: "This year we are venturing to the moon and back, saving the world from super villains, visiting the bottom of the ocean in search of Jaguar Sharks and reaching top speeds in vintage Formula 1 cars. It sounds quite exhausting… but rest assured, all you have to do is lie back, nestle on a rug and watch someone else take all the action. "We also have the usual array of tempting goodies to keep you happy while you watch including Exeter's Bikecaffe serving locally roasted coffee, wood fired Pizzas from the Little Devon Pizza Co and homemade butter fudge popcorn. Plus our very own Phoenix café Bar will be running the special Bar Belafonte, serving specially selected craft beers." Entry to the park from 7.30pm, with film starts at approximately 9pm. For more information visit http://bigscreeninthepark.exeterphoenix.org.uk/.

Exeter's big screen in the park event to start tomorrow with showing of The Lego Movie

A FORMER military man has spoken about failures in mental health support in Exeter after claiming to have received sporadic levels of help in his time of need. It is claimed it took four years to get group sessions up and running for the vulnerable Newton Poppleford man, who suffered years of abuse and suffers from post traumatic stress disorder. Then, after an incident in which he was sworn and shouted at by a mental health professional at a group session, he claimed he was left with no alternative help for a further two years. Devon NHS Partnership Trust which is responsible for mental health support and services in the county, claim they have "made a huge effort to support him". The man came forward after the Echo carried a series of reports about the long wait for treatment earlier in the year. The reports prompted Exeter MP Ben Bradshaw to raise concerns in Parliament. The 60-year-old said when he moved to Newton Poppleford in 2007 he was referred by his GP for psychotherapy. Two years later in 2009 he had an interview and was recommended group therapy. Six months later he received a 16-week, one-to-one support session programme to check on his capacity to join a group session, then finally, in October 2011, he was offered group sessions. He said he felt like he was benefiting from the sessions but on one occasion, in October 2012, when the group leader shouted aggressively at a man for moving his chair and then overheard the 60-year-old whisper to the person next to him, 'I think he must have got out of bed the wrong way', he then shouted and swore at him. The Echo has seen letters, both from the group leader and the manager who referred him, admitting to and apologising for the outburst. The 60-year-old said he has been refused alternative therapy and was repetitively told that the only option was for him to return to the group sessions with the original group leader. He said he repeatedly requested alternative therapy from the trust. He then took his case to the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman. The Echo has also seen the letter from the Ombudsman which said: "We think there was a failing in the service you received from the trust and that you suffered an injustice because of this. "We think the trust have acted reasonably to try to put this right." The letter confirmed that the trust had informed the Ombudsman, that in addition to the personal letters of apology that had been sent to the 60-year-old from the trust, the group leader in question would receive additional training "to make sure this kind of behaviour did not happen again". The Ombudsman also said the Trust had assured them that they had "offered suggestions" about how he could "access other forms of support instead of the group meetings" – which he refutes. After the Echo contacted the trust he has been invited in for an appointment and to re-join the group, which now has a different leader. In addition, he said that he barely saw his care coordinator in two years, and was informed in June, only after he contacted the trust, that she had left and he has not been assigned another. "When the incident in the group happened I was really shaken up by it," he said. "I went and sat in my car and couldn't stop shaking. "I didn't want to go back to the sessions but I was told I could either come back to the group or have no therapy. "It takes a lot for someone with mental illness, particularly someone like myself who has been abused in the past, to put their trust into others. "I've been fobbed off for the last two years because of what happened and I'm not to blame for it. "Both the manager and the group leader knew how bad my past has been, it has affected me my whole life. "What makes me angry is that the therapy was picking me up a bit, but that incident put me back. "It's been devastating and damaged the trust I was supposed to have in the service. "The most vulnerable people are those in the mental health sector of the NHS. I feel completely let down." As reported by the Echo in February, the Devon Partnership NHS Trust confirmed that those requiring specialist one-to-one support are often waiting more than two years. The area of most concern is the wait for people with complex mental health issues needing psychological therapies. However, the trust only receives seven to eight per cent of the total NHS budget in Devon for mental health services. A spokesman for Devon Partnership NHS Trust said: "We are sorry that the patient is disappointed with some aspects of the care he has received from us. "Our staff have made a huge effort to support him, over many years, and they continue to do so. "We believe that we have done everything possible to meet his needs and the Health Service Ombudsman made it clear that we responded quickly and appropriately to his concerns when he raised them."

“I feel completely let down” – Former military man speaks of being sworn at by Exeter mental health professional

CLYST St Mary Post Office is closing for refurbishment next month as part of a Government investment programme. The village's main branch Post Office will close at 5.30pm on Thursday, September 11, and is due to reopen at 1pm on Monday, September 22. Customers are advised to use branches in Topsham or Countess Wear. When it reopens, the modernised Clyst St Mary Post Office will be open for an extra 42 hours and 45 minutes a week, including all day Sunday and Saturday afternoon. The branch will open significantly earlier and will close much later every day. Regional manager Adrian Skinner said: "We know how important Post Office services are to residents in Clyst St Mary and we are confident this vibrant modern Post Office at the heart of the community will be popular. The modernisation is part of a major Government investment programme that is enabling us to continue investing in the Post Office network and to map out a bold growth strategy to the end of the decade." The move is part of major modernisation programme across the Post Office network designed to make it easier for customers to do business, through longer opening hours and modern open plan environments. Customers will be able to access the full range of Post Office and mails services, including international parcels, Special Delivery, Local Collect and home shopping returns. At Clyst St Mary Post Office you can do everything from Post Office Card Account cash withdrawals, send funds abroad using Moneygram, paying bills, buy holiday money, get insurance, mortgages, savings and top up mobile phones. As the traditional banking network declines, customers for the majority (95%) of UK banks can use their post office for online banking cash deposits and withdrawals and bill payments.

THE reopening of the walkway between Teignmouth and Smugglers Lane in Dawlish has been delayed until next week, after stormy weather damaged the temporary works used to construct Sprey Point ramp. Network Rail had originally planned to reopen the walkway this week. Tom Kirkham, project manager at Network Rail, said: "This delay is very frustrating for all of us, not least local residents who I'm sure were looking forward to being able to use the walkway again. "While we were prepared for the storms and took the necessary precautions, the nature of temporary structures means that unfortunately they are vulnerable in severe weather. "I would like to take this opportunity to apologise for the inconvenience caused and reassure the local community that my team is working round-the-clock to reopen the walkway as soon as possible."

South Devon could be promoted this Saturday if they win against Shaldon and Alphington lose to Ottery St Mary. They host Shaldon after a tougher-than-anticipated win over doomed Kingsbridge. Kingsbridge were reduced to 55 for five – Neil Maud (2-35) and Sean Day (2-19) among the wickets – but recovered to make 189 for eight, helped by a whopping 61 in extras. Dave Knowles (30) and Jonty Parsons (26) saw South Devon start well, but struggled mid-innings and needed 18 off the last three overs, which South Devon got with five balls remaining. Day, who went in at 53 for one, batted through for an unbeaten 68 not out to wrap up the win. "We didn't help ourselves by throwing away 61 extras, which was uncharacteristic given how well we've bowled and fielded this year," said South Devon skipper Ali Wright. "We got a little bogged down in the final third, which made it a bit close for comfort, but Jon Martin and Daisy finished it off." Clyst Hydon host Kingsbridge looking to keep their winning run going. An 89-run victory over Chagford made it three on the trot, with Dhanuja Nandana being dropped three times on his way to 62 as Clyst made 191 for eight having been 108 for six at one stage. Chagford were always up against it after slumping to five for four with Nandana (4-13) and Oz Bezley (2-17) doing damage. Skipper Sutton was pleased with another win, but less pleased by his side's batting. "It was another good performance, and we're making winning a habit at the moment," said Sutton. "We've got a few issues to address with the batting as, once again, the middle order had to bale out the top order. "Another great knock from Dhanno and a good partnership with Oz Besley at nine saw us through to a decent total on a slow wicket. "As for the bowling, everyone I called on bowled well and the fielding and catching was very strong." Alphington take on Ottery this Saturday with third place looking likely after cruising to a six-wicket win over relegated Plymouth CS&R. Civil, who had been 152 for six, got to 167 all out as Stuart Shaw and Tom Bath took three wickets each, and there were a couple for Ben Newcombe too. Dave Haysom (38), Bath (30) and Mike Shepherd (58) saw the Alphas cruise home with more than 20 overs to spare. Ottery St Mary got their revenge on Shaldon for a 13-run defeat earlier this season with a 141-run victory in the rematch. Shaldon have not tasted victory since that win, and the tone was set by Ottery openers Lewis Townsend and Billy Rudolph (76), who hit 171 together. Rudolph went, but Billy Reed (36) had an 81-run stand with Townsend, who made a career-best 113 in Ottery's 327 for six. Shaldon were 150 for four at halfway, but Alex Thurgate (4-11) and Matt Reed (3-50) saw them lose six wickets in nine overs to make it 196 all out.

Thorverton's promotion prospects are still alive ahead of their trip to Plymstock after beating Shobrooke Park by five wickets in a Mid Devon derby. Shobrooke made 251 for five in their 50 overs with Chris Simpon (89) and Phil Anning (79no) leading the way. A second-wicket stand of 108 between Simpson and Nick Prell (49) gave Shobrooke momentum, then Simpson and Anning added another 72. Thorverton's run chase was constructed round an unbeaten 125 from opener James Hope. Hope has been suffering back trouble recently and saw an acupuncturist the night before for treatment enabling him to play. The decisive stand was one of 103 between Hope and Harry Choules, which took Thorverton within 15 runs of victory. Thorverton are just a point behind second-placed Bideford and 14 behind leaders Tavistock with three games to go. "After Plympton we have Tavistock at ours and Bideford away, so if we want to go up it really is in our hands," said White. Shobrooke are at home to Braunton this Saturday.

Cricket B Division: Thorverton face Plymstock with promotion hopes alive

Bradninch will want to repair the damage done by Paignton last time out when they welcome Chudleigh to Kensham Park. Tim Piper's men were top of the table before being routed by 156 runs. With three games to go, the promotion race remains wide open – and with third-placed Budleigh to play on the last day of the season, Bradninch have everything to play for. Paignton, possibly stung by reported comments by Piper that they were not Premiership material, biffed the Bradninch bowling to reach 317 for seven. Bradnich were all out for 173 in reply. Skipper Piper took defeat on the chin, and said he was to blame for a tactical mistake. "We were outplayed in all areas of the game and came up a long way short," he said. "Losing the toss on a pitch that was obviously going to get worse didn't help, but we were the worst team on the day. "In general, our bowling plans weren't good enough and it cost us. "A couple of positives to take were Jack Horton and Paul Nott's bowling as they did well to restrict when Paignton were well on top of us. "Chasing 317 doesn't happen very often, but we went about it wrong. I've looked back at the scorecard and the batting order was all wrong and I hold my hands up for that. "It would've been nice to win and have a bit of breathing space, but it's still in our hands. Win the last three to go up. "To do that, we will have to improve drastically from the standard we played this Saturday." Budleigh Salterton skipper Joel Murphy is refusing to talk up his side's promotion prospects, even though the Otters are third just six points off second with three games to go. Budleigh go to second-placed Paignton on Saturday hot on the heels of their hosts after beating Brixham by eight wickets. Brixham were bowled out for 157 after an early going over from Luke Peterson (3-28) and Ben Phillips (1-21). Murphy took three for 18 and James Burke two for 25 as Budleigh won by eight wickets. "I have said more than once this season is all about enjoyment – and winning most weeks is preferable to the poor season we had in the Premier last year when we were relegated," said Murphy. "If we find ourselves in the top two and going up, then we will deal with it. "If not, we will have had an enjoyable season and will come back next year for another go." Chudleigh enhanced their survival chances with a 45-run win over strugglers Lewdown. Skipper Ed Foreman (105) hit a maiden Devon League century in the total of 252 all out. Lewdown made 208. "We now have a very hard run of games and a big test this week against Bradninch," said Foreman. "Hopefully we can carry our recent form on and spring a surprise."

A young woman who had been bullied for years was found hanged after 'another cry for help', an inquest heard. Sarah Westwood had made several suicide attempts before but a coroner ruled that he could not be sure the tormented 23 year old did intend to kill herself just days before last Christmas. Sarah's family revealed at the Exeter inquest that she had been 'bullied for years'. And they also said that her personality changed when she started taking anti psychotic pills. Her mother Susan said:"She was never an aggressive person. But they changed her mood and scared her. "She was a very kind gentle person. These tablets made her lose her temper and frightened her to death. "Her behaviour became unpleasant and aggressive which was out of character." Doctors said Sarah, from Exeter, Devon, had self harmed and had suffered from an emotionally unstable personality disorder for the majority of her adult life. She was found hanged in her en suite bathroom but did not leave any notes. The deputy Devon coroner John Tomalin recorded a narrative conclusion and said:"I do think it is likely Sarah would be successful in an attempt to take her own life but was this the occasion or yet another cry for help." He told her family:"It is a very difficult set of circumstances and a very difficult journey."

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Exeter's big screen in the park event to start tomorrow with showing of The Lego Movie

"I feel completely let down" – Former military man speaks of being sworn at by Exeter mental health professional

Clyst St Mary Post Office to close for refurbishment as part of Government investment programme

Reopening of walkway between Teignmouth and Dawlish delayed after storm damage

Cricket C Division: South Devon could go up by defeating Shaldon on Saturday

Cricket B Division: Thorverton face Plymstock with promotion hopes alive

Cricket A Division: Tim Piper's men looking to make up for loss

Young Exeter woman found hanged after years of bullying, inquest hears