Herald Express; Torquay (UK)

'Miracle' As Passing Army Medic Saves Crash Victim From Possible Paralysis

A car crash victim's friend today thanked passers-by who came to the ailing driver's rescue and saved her from possible paralysis. Student teacher Katy Muncer, 25, from Hertford, is recovering in Plymouth's Derriford Hospital after surviving a bad crash on the A38 at Rattery on Friday.

Now the Green's in for a Rollercoaster Ride

Seafront traders have welcomed the Wild Mouse rollercoaster to Paignton. The ride will be entertaining visitors to the Green for the first time this year and will take its first thrill-seekers for a spin tomorrow.

Call for End to Resort Summer Roadworks

A plea is being made to call a halt to roadworks which cause chaos during the main summer season after days of traffic misery in Teignmouth. Furious drivers have been caught up in tailbacks for more than an hour trying to get into the town.

Children Can Sign Up to Stay Fit

Today is the final chance for Bay youngsters to sign up to a new pilot fitness scheme. Fit for the Future, funded by the Department of Health, offers subsidised membership to health clubs and leisure centres for 16 to 22-year-olds.

College Deputy Lands the Top Job

South devon College's deputy principal Stephen Criddle has moved into the hot seat. The Oxford graduate will take over the reins of the 'outstanding' college when current principal Heather Maxwell retires in September.

Club's Debt of Gratitude to 'Great Character' and Backer

More tributes have been paid to the Torquay businessman found dead at his company base in the resort last week. Steve Mazdon, 50, was found dead at M&S Cladding's offices at Barton Hill Road. Notes were recovered.

Pensioner's Plea to Blaze Attacker

A pensioner frightened by four arson attacks on her Torquay home in 12 weeks today made a direct appeal to her tormentor: 'Please leave me alone.' Mary Pullin, 79, (pictured right) remains in a state of shock after fleeing her blazing Watcombe home in the early hours of Sunday.

Hard-Up Families May Get Water Bill 'Benefit'

Long-awaited help could be at hand for South Devon's poorest households struggling to pay hefty water bills. Ministers have been called on to consider introducing a new regional 'water benefit' to help hard-pressed families saddled with hefty charges.

Man Denies 18-Month Sexual Relationship with Girl, 14

A newton Abbot carer was branded in court as an 'unscrupulous adult' who exploited and manipulated a teenage schoolgirl for sex. It was claimed at Exeter Crown Court that 42-year-old Michael Simmons, of Flete Avenue, seduced the schoolgirl when she was just 14 and had a full sexual relationship with her.

Travellers Can Stay On Site for Two Weeks

Travellers camped in Paignton have been allowed to stay for two weeks. Torbay Council announced yesterday evening that the travellers, who are now based at Borough Road, having spent time at Churston Common and Clennon Valley, will be permitted to stay until July 13.

Home Improvement Firm Team Is Well Qualified

Home improvement specialist Europlas has reinforced its commitment to staff development with 14 members of its fitting team receiving a new qualification. Fitters from Torquay who succeeded with their Level 2 NVQ in fenestration included Simon Jackson, Damian Jackson, Matthew Morey, John Morgan, Arron Westwood and Guy Mitchell. David Wayne, Jamie Giplin, Geoffrey Head and Phil Wayne of Newton Abbot and Ronnie Gowan of Paignton also successfully completed the NVQ.

Women Won't Stint On Their Lingerie

The average woman will spend more than pounds15,000 on lingerie in her lifetime, according to a new study. Us girls will shell out around pounds174 on 13 new pairs of knickers and bras every 12 months.

Bubbly Reward for Sally's 25 Years' Service

Celebrations were in full flow in London when Torbay Marks & Spencer employee Sally Wilkins attended a champagne reception. Taking a well-deserved break from the Torbay store at the Willows, Sally joined more than 100 staff from across the UK as they were each rewarded for up to 40 years of loyal service to the company.

Concern for Missing Man's Wellbeing

Police are concerned for the welfare of a man considered to be at 'high risk' who has vanished from Paignton without his medication. Officers are searching for 56-year-old Michael Boughton (pictured) who has been missing for several days.

Harmony Required

The village of Cockington is a remarkable place. Just a few hundred yards from the seafront on one side, and from the close-packed rooftops of Chelston on another, it remains a haven of calm and rural tranquility.

Votes Being Counted in Baby of Year Contest

The winner of this year's Baby of the Year competition will be announced on Saturday. The Herald Express' annual baby extravaganza will finish this week as the winners are finally revealed.

Villagers in Revolt Over Cockington Plans

The 'peasants' of Cockington are revolting against estate owners over development plans for the historic village. The Cockington Village Residents' Association claims it has been treated like 'second class citizens' by the council and ignored by the Torbay Coast and Countryside Coast.

Petition Protest Over Youth Funding Cuts

Councillors have been asked to put funding back into youth groups in Torbay if they believe in their work. Cuts in youth group funding have prompted a petition signed by more than 320 people which was handed to Torbay Council.

Hotel Evacuated in Bathroom Blaze Alert

More than 100 people were evacuated after a fire broke out at Paignton seafront's Palace Hotel on Sunday night. Some 91 guests and 12 members of staff quit the packed 55- bedroomed hotel in Esplanade Road at 8.30pm.

Betting Addict Used Wife's Credit Card to Fund Habit

An iNTERNET gambling addict secretly plundered his wife's credit card account to fund his betting, a court was told. Exeter Crown Court heard 37-year-old John Robinson not only fleeced his wife but also stole money from the accounts of her mother, who was in a care home, and her disabled son.