Herald Express; Torquay (UK)

Hard-Up Families May Get 'Water Benefit'

Light may at last be at the end of the tunnel for South Devon's long-suffering water bill payers. Ministers have been called on to consider introducing a new regional 'water benefit' to help hard-pressed families saddled with the highest charges in the country.

Ian Returns As Commissioner to Lead Scouts

Torbay's 800 Scouts have a new man at the top. Ian Fisher (pictured right) has taken over the reins as district commissioner.

Firm Which Started in Spare Room Wins World Acclaim

After a classic start in a spare bedroom, Torbay marketing and website company Createanet has gone from strength to strength and is now celebrating its 10th birthday. The company, founded by managing director Kevin King, is now a team of 10 and has won worldwide acclaim for its work.

Care Home Couple Tie Knot

Two Oldway Heights care home residents have become the second couple to get hitched at the home. Martin Radmore, 57, who suffers from multiple sclerosis, plucked up the courage to ask girlfriend of eight months, Andrea Richards, 44, to be his wife.

Town Ready for Carnival

Newton abbot is gearing itself up for fun-filled carnival celebrations. The town's Carnival Committee is preparing for this year's festivities, starting with the crowning of carnival royalty on Saturday.

Hotel Asset Jan Rewarded for 30 Years' Service

A receptionist has received a gold watch as reward for her 30- years service at a top Torquay hotel. Jan Loader has worked at the Palace Hotel, Babbacombe Road, since 1979, and her long service was rewarded in a special staff ceremony.

'Day's Devon' On Demand at Screening

A filmmaker is holding a special screening of his historical epic on the history of Devon in Bovey Tracey tomorrow. Phil Day, 56, who lives near Chagford, is bringing Day's Devon to the Dartmoor town for discerning film-buffs and local historians to see.

Guard of Honour's Final Rehearsal Before Show

The 200 Squadron ATC have been put through their paces ahead of a major fundraiser at the Princess Theatre. Flight Lieutenant Chris Milford oversaw the youngsters before they are tasked with forming the guard of honour for the Tormohun Rotary Club charity concert on Tuesday.

'Dispel Recession Blues' Call to Town After Queen's Award

Totnes is being urged to lay on a recession-beating carnival turnout after the town's 'enchanted' carnival float won a Queen of Queens award on its first outing. Totnes Carnival week does not kick off until August 15 but already the town carnival float is picking up prizes.

Alex Prepares for 13,000ft Leap

Daring ski instructor Alex Leaf is joining the daring Red Devils freefall sky dive team in a daunting challenge. Alex, from Brixham, is preparing to leap 13,000 feet as part of the tandem sky dive alongside the parachute regiment's freefall team at their base in Netheravon, Wiltshire, on July 10 in aid of Disability Snowsport UK.

Driver Found with Whisky and Tumbler in Car

A businessman who was almost twice the drink drive limit told police he had a mouth ulcer after he was caught with a tumbler and a bottle of whisky in his car. Edward Adams, 58, was disqualified from driving for 18 months and fined pounds235.

Man On Grievous Bodily Harm Charge

A man from Newton Abbot has appeared in court charged with causing grievous bodily harm, witness intimidation and possession of amphetamine. Tyronne Frampton, 21, has been committed to crown court on the grievous bodily harm and witness intimidation charges after he appeared in front of Bay magistrates. No pleas were entered.

Man Stole Camera to Pay Off Drug Debt

A father who was trying to pay off drug debts stole a digital camera from a supermarket in a plastic bag lined with tinfoil. Newton Abbot Magistrates heard Alexander Meldrum, 24 and from Bovey Tracey, owed drug dealers about pounds200.

Yacht Club's New Slipway Opened

Members of Brixham Yacht Club celebrated their new slipway with an official launch and a barbecue. The new waterfront facility, which also includes landing steps, was created to make room for the multi-million pound fish quay development.

Centenary Celebration

A card from the Queen marked a milestone for Irene Johnston as she turned 100. She celebrated her centenary with a party at her Torquay home, Homecombe House assisted housing development in Babbacombe.

Shining the Spotlight On One of Society's Last Great Taboos

As a carer Mike Vango became a campaigner for dementia patients during the battle to save the Dunboyne care home in Torquay from closure in 2006. Now he is lending his voice to this new campaign to highlight the massive discrepancy between the funding available for Alzheimer's and the other major age-related diseases.

Lewis's School Trip Blow After 'One-Off' Bike Stolen

Theft victim Lewis Small from Kingsteignton has missed out on a school trip because thieves have stolen his custom-made bike. The 13-year-old Teign School pupil is out of the saddle after his distinctive BMX Federal TNEZ bike, worth pounds1,000, was snatched from outside the family home in Homers Crescent on Saturday.

Case Adjourned

A paignton man has had his case adjourned so the prosecution and defence can have more time. Scott Brown, 22, from Killerton Close, Paignton, faces 17 charges including actual bodily harm, assault, criminal damage, aggravated vehicle taking and breaching a community order. He has pleaded guilty to some offences, but not to others.

Residents Told to Restore Wishings Field Boundaries

A new battle over Wishings Field has erupted in Brixham. Eight residents of Wishings Road have been told by solicitors acting for a property company linked to TV 'Dragon' Deborah Meaden that their gardens encroach on land owned by the company.

New Hotline for Sexual Health

Sexual health services are being made more accessible in South Devon. The appointments number - 01803 656500 - will now act as a central point for information about the wide range of walk-in and appointment-based services in the region.