Blog - Page 48 of 96 - Devon Today

Creative heroes honoured as Northern Devon culture awards wow crowds

Torridge District Council

-

March 27, 2026

Creative heroes honoured as Northern Devon culture awards wow crowds

Northern Devon’s incredible creative sectors were celebrated on Friday 13 March at the Flourishing Culture Awards.

Nominees and guests attended the ceremony at The Barnstaple Hotel, which recognised the innovation, talent and hard work that drives culture across the region. The awards celebrate people, groups, and organisations who have made a significant impact on the cultural life of our communities in North Devon and Torridge.

Musical performances on the evening were provided by Sorrelli Strings, The Voice Choir and Amena El-Kindy, appearing straight from London’s West End. The event also featured a special screening of Boundaries, the most recent project from SwitchFrame, filmed on location at North Devon Cricket Club in Instow.

The evening was brought to a close by Ian Roome MP, who congratulated the winners and highlighted the importance of Northern Devon’s local creative industries and cultural sector.

The award winners were:

Arts in education, sponsored by North Devon College: Magical Tots
Crafts: Jennie Lamb
Digital, film and moving image, sponsored by Devon Film Logistics: SwitchFrame
Diversity and inclusion: SEND The Help CIC
Heritage, sponsored by Pearce Construction: Bideford and River Torridge Heritage Harbour Project
Innovation, sponsored by Devon Film Logistics: Ecotribo
Sport: Skate Molton CIC
Literature: Barnstaple Library
Performing arts sponsored by Landmark Theatres: Kook Ensemble
Rural community engagement: Melissa Turnbull, hand:plant
Visual Arts: North Devon Arts
Special Recognition Award – sponsored by Dartington Crystal: Frances Bell

Councillor Mark Haworth-Booth, Cultural Partnership Board representative for North Devon Council, said:

“Huge congratulations to all the winners! The Northern Devon cultural sector plays a vital role in bringing people together and strengthening our sense of place. Winners and nominees alike should be incredibly proud of the creativity and commitment they show, and of the positive impact their work has across our communities.

“Northern Devon’s cultural scene continues to go from strength to strength, and these awards recognise the people and organisations who make that possible. We are grateful to everyone involved in delivering the event, and to our sponsors for helping us celebrate the very best of culture in our area.”

Councillor Cheryl Cottle-Hunkin, Lead Member for Culture and Community Engagement, Torridge District Council, said:

“It was such an inspiring evening at the Northern Devon Flourishing Culture Awards, and huge congratulations to all the nominees and winners. The event showcased the incredible talent, creativity and community spirit across North Devon and Torridge. These organisations and individuals help make our area more colourful, both literally and metaphorically, and it is these elements that make life so special.

“A highlight was the outstanding performance by Amena El-Kindy, whose journey from North Devon to a leading role in the West End production of Les Misérables is truly inspiring.

“These awards not only celebrate those already making a difference, but also encourage and inspire others to help our communities flourish. Northern Devon really is a very special place, and I would like to thank the sponsors and District Councils for organising and supporting such a fantastic event.”

The event is part of North Devon Council and Torridge District Council’s Flourishing Culture Strategy, which was adopted and launched by North Devon and Torridge District Councils in October 2022. It aims to improve people’s access to arts, support local economic growth through culture and safeguard vital local collections for future generations. The strategy sets out the value that culture brings to northern Devon, the aspiration for what it could be, and some suggested actions for raising the ambition, sustainability and impact of culture in all its forms across the region.

The event was funded by North Devon Council via the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, and supported by award sponsors: Devon Film Logistics, Pearce Construction, Dartington Crystal, Landmark Theatres and North Devon College.

Businesses interested in sponsoring future events to receive an award in the company’s name should contact culture@northdevon.gov.uk.

New housing bid for village ignites debate over roads and green land

-

March 27, 2026

0

New housing bid for village ignites debate over roads and green land

A plan to build dozens of new homes on the edge of a village has been unveiled, promising affordable housing and infrastructure improvements while prompting concerns over traffic, flooding and green space loss.

Developers are preparing to submit a full planning application for around 57 homes on land on the outskirts of Sampford Peverell. The scheme would include a mix of one, two, three and four-bedroom properties, alongside at least 16 affordable homes in line with Mid Devon Local Plan requirements.

The proposals also feature new vehicle and pedestrian access from Lower Town, including a pedestrian crossing and links to existing pavements to improve connections to village facilities and Tiverton Parkway railway station. Plans include retaining existing boundary hedgerows, additional planting, and the introduction of balancing ponds and sustainable drainage systems to manage surface water and reduce flood risk.

Developers say the scheme aims to maximise biodiversity net gain, while also contributing towards public open space, healthcare, education and active travel improvements.

A public drop-in session was held on Tuesday, March 17, giving residents the chance to review early plans and share feedback.

Chris Winter, a director of West of England Developments, said: “We are showing off a proposed development on the outskirts of the village, and giving the local public the opportunity to come and question, challenge, comment, support as they see fit.

“At least to hopefully gain more information about what we are proposing and to air their concerns.”

Explaining the scheme, Chris said: “It is a mixed residential development. We have got up to just under 60 new homes, 35% of which will be affordable homes.

“They will be a mix of social affordable rent and some discounted sale homes and the remainder of the open market homes will be a mix of two, three, four beds and a proportion of those will be bungalows as well.”

Concerns raised by residents have largely centred on traffic and parking, particularly around the nearby railway station, as well as the loss of green fields, provision of play space, and drainage.

Chris said: “The feedback we get at just about every event is highways are always the biggest concern.

“The specific issues with this, with Sampford Peverell, are parking for the railway station, which is an historic problem, which we cannot fix.

“Loss of green fields, contributions or provision for children’s play space, that sort of thing, and concerns over flooding and foul water treatment.”

Addressing those concerns, he added: “We will make contributions to the play space for all ages and being asked to by the council.

“We cannot do anything about the car parking issue from the station and that is an ongoing problem.

“Things like foul water treatment is a South West Water issue. They will put in a holding objection to the application until they are satisfied they have got capacity to deal with it.

“Surface water is dealt with on site with attenuation so that whatever the water that is generated by the development runs off at a slower rate than the existing green field.”

Residents who were unable to attend the event are encouraged to view the proposals online and submit feedback.

He added: “We are here to listen, we have got something we have put forward.

“We will listen to their concerns and adopt change where we can.

“But we are in desperate need of housing. Mid Devon want more housing because they are not delivering enough.

“Sampford Peverell is a sustainable location and our pre-app advice has confirmed that.”

Technical assessments covering highways, heritage, drainage and ecology are ongoing, meaning the final layout and number of homes could still change.

Plymouth plants thousands of trees in huge green push across the city

Plymouth City Council

-

March 27, 2026

0

Plymouth plants thousands of trees in huge green push across the city

More than 5,000 trees have been planted across Plymouth this winter, with even more to come in the next few weeks.

Since November, Council teams have helped to plant over 650 new trees of all shapes, species and sizes all over the city as part of the Plymouth and South Devon Community Forest, with a further 100 to go in before the season is out.

In addition, a further 4,650 whips have been planted as hedgerows and high-density areas in collaboration with partners and communities.

This year has been a focus on the planting of standard trees, with a total of 505 put in the ground so far. Standards are large trees that at the time of planting are already six to ten feet tall with this year’s number nearly double that of 2024.

Taunton Avenue Planting-1009 CREDIT CHRIS PARKES

As with all community forest activity, community has very much been at the heart of the work, with hundreds of people of all ages involved in events.

Particular highlights included working with third party landowners to plant 43 trees in St Pancras Avenue and Antony Gardens. These trees will act as wildlife corridors and stepping stone habitats between isolated pockets of woodland including Bluebell woods, Marazion Park, Trench Way, and Ham Brook.

We have also completed a scheme in Taunton Avenue where a large variety of planting types and high impact engagement with the community and partnered with Societree for a number of new micro-forests in schools across the city.

Councillor Tom Briars-Delve, Cabinet Member for the Environment and Climate Change, pictured right, said: “I am so pleased to see yet another bumper tree planting season complete.

“The thing that pleases me most this year is the amount of standards that the team have managed to put in at various locations across the city giving immediate benefit for both people and nature.

“I’d like to thanks all of the residents and community groups who helped support us this year, whether through suggesting location for planting or getting their hands grubby planting in the ground.”

Since the Plymouth and South Devon Community Forest was first launched in 2021, around half a million trees have been planted across more than 190 sites in the project area.

Its 25 year strategy, formally adopted last week, seeks to improve the health of existing woodland by supporting all woods being brought into sustainable management by 2050.

This includes restoring ancient woodlands that have been damaged in the past, improving planted ancient woodlands so they once again support richer wildlife, and managing public access so people can enjoy woodlands safely and responsibly.

Communities will be at the heart of this work. At least 3,000 people each year will take part in planting days, woodland care, training, events and local green space projects.

Young people will have key roles through the Forest Rising programme, which offers skills training, hands-on experience and a say in shaping local tree planting.

The Community Forest stretches from the South Devon coast, across Plymouth and onto to the rolling landscape of Dartmoor National.

Unlike traditional forests, the Community Forest isn’t geographically restricted to one place. Instead, it encompasses a mix of community woodland, private woodland, street trees, urban woodland, wooded habitat corridors and hedgerows.

Find out more about Community Forest and how to get involved at https://psdcf.com

2026 in numbers

5,194 total trees planted by, or through grants facilitated by, PSDCF in the city this year
544 larger trees were planted, including fruit trees and standards
4,650 whips were planted as hedgerows and in high‑density areas
28 sites had trees planted this year
13 sites, totalling 653 trees, were planted via PSDCF’s Direct Delivery Model, designed, delivered and maintained entirely by the Council
100s of active community volunteers took part in planting days across 17 sites.
80+ species of tree were planted.
45+ of these species are native or naturalised.
13 varieties of fruit tree were planted across 6 new community orchards.

Inside £47m Civic Centre makeover set to reshape Plymouth city living

Plymouth City Council

-

March 27, 2026

0

Inside £47m Civic Centre makeover set to reshape Plymouth city living

Plymouth’s bold vision to reinvigorate the Civic Centre has reached a crucial milestone with the full planning application now submitted.

The landmark looks set to play a crucial role in the regeneration of the city centre, introducing city centre living in an iconic building within its tower as well as create a new city centre campus for City College Plymouth to prepare the city’s workforce for the jobs of the future.

City College Plymouth will transform the lower floors and basement into a Blue-Green Skills Hub that will train up to 2,000 students every year across 60 different courses, ranging from apprenticeships to higher education and adult skills programmes.

Crucially it will be a vibrant, visible presence in the heart of the city centre encouraging people to explore, learn and connect.

The main focus will be delivering skilled people of all ages to serve industries such as marine engineering, renewable energy, and sustainable construction. The lower floors and podium will have a mix of educational and open space to inspire learners.

Ground floor – the former reception – will be a public-facing space that is open, welcoming and connected to the city. It will have a careers hub, a sustainable bistro and restaurant, a wellness spa and a digital space with AR and VR facilities
Lower ground floor – the former basement – transformed into a lively education space with six workshops for technical curriculum teaching
First floor – classrooms for formal teaching.

Above the campus will be 144 apartments designed for a new style of city living that has not been available in Plymouth before.

The compact one or two bedroom flats strike a balance between respecting the building’s structure and heritage and modern living that is compliant with all the latest tall buildings legislation. The concrete ‘waffle’ ceilings, which have been revealed as part of the strip out, will be retained to create a stylish modern interior.

Other key changes from the original planning consent include:

A new stair and lift to comply with latest fire regulations
Replanning apartments to comply with national space and accessibility standards and a change to the mix of homes
Greater retention of existing building to allow college to occupy podium levels and a clear subdivision of uses
Active uses of lower ground and façade
Mechanical ventilation of new homes
Heritage sensitive design response to east and west façade replacement
New stair and lift to bridge podium
Investigate full public access approach to rooftop.

The whole area around the Civic will be re-landscaped to create welcoming, accessible public spaces, with new planting and seating – the pond beneath the link that connects the tower with the Council House will also be refurbished.

Councillor Mark Lowry, city centre champion, said: “I am so excited to get to this point. It’s a huge undertaking, but we believe it is worth it. The Civic was symbolic of the city’s post war regeneration and it is playing a leading part in our new vision for the city centre.”

Jackie Grubb, Chief Executive of City College Plymouth, said: “Submitting the planning application for the Civic Centre is a huge step forward for Plymouth and for the College. Our Blue-Green Skills Hub will transform the lower floors into a city centre learning space that prepares thousands of students for the jobs of tomorrow.

“This milestone brings us closer to creating a vibrant, visible presence in the heart of the city where people can explore, learn, and connect, while supporting industries that are central to Plymouth’s future growth.”

Planners will now consider in detail the application – which runs to around 1000 pages – and put together a report with their recommendations.

The project is currently funded to the tune of £47, 486, 361 with grants from several public sector pots, including Future High Streets Fund, corporate borrowing allocated in the Council’s Capital budget, Levelling Up Fund (LUF) Round 3 and Homes England Brownfield Infrastructure and Land Fund of £18,386,278.

This will see the completion of the shell and core works. City College Plymouth and a residential developer will further fund the project for the fit-out of the college and the residential space respectively.

The full planning application has been submitted and subject to validation will appear on the planning portal shortly.

Inside Barnstaple’s bold new creative hub set to transform town centre

North Devon Council

-

March 27, 2026

0

Inside Barnstaple’s bold new creative hub set to transform town centre

North Devon Council is inviting people to explore a brand‑new creative hub in the heart of Barnstaple, as it opens the doors to 36 and 37 Boutport Studios for two open days.

Following extensive redevelopment works, the buildings will be open to visitors on

Wednesday 15 April
Thursday 16 April

Council officers will be on hand on both days from 10 am to 3 pm to show people around the new studios and workspaces and answer questions.

The open days are aimed at individuals, organisations and businesses working within the creative and cultural industries who may be interested in becoming part of this exciting new development. Visitors can simply turn up, view the spaces available and speak to staff about potential opportunities.

36 Boutport Street will become a cultural space for artists and events, including a shared artists’ studio and a bookable function space on the first floor over the new bar restaurant on the ground floor.

37 Boutport Street is a new‑build development with 9 individual workshops on the ground floor and housing units above.

The project forms part of the council’s wider Market Quarter project providing a new creative hub for North Devon, in the heart of Barnstaple historic town centre.

The development at 36 and 37 Boutport Street combines the character of historic buildings with the benefits of a new build, creating inspiring workspaces and the opportunity to join a community of like-minded creative people.

The Market Quarter project was developed following extensive consultation with local people, the business community and partner organisations, as part of the council’s wider Barnstaple Vision initiative, which sets out a long‑term vision for the future of the town.

Councillor Malcolm Prowse, Lead Member for Economic Development and Regeneration at North Devon Council, said: “I am extremely proud of this project. It has taken a huge amount of hard work from everyone involved to get to this point. It is fantastic to see buildings with so much history and heritage being brought back into use in the heart of Barnstaple.

“We would encourage anyone with an interest in the creative and cultural sectors to come along to the open days and see the amazing spaces on offer!”

The building is expected to open fully in the summer, once phase three of the adjacent car park works has been completed.

Newton Abbot market hall revamp set to wow as opening nears at last

Teignbridge District Council

-

March 27, 2026

1

Newton Abbot market hall revamp set to wow as opening nears at last

An ambitious project to redevelop Newton Abbot’s historic Grade II listed market hall will be completed within the next few weeks.

The major regeneration, which began in November 2024, has seen the market hall and square reinvigorated into a flexible shopping and entertainment space suitable for daytime and evening trading and events.

Blending a rich commercial heritage with a contemporary space designed for modern town centre life, the updated market hall includes new street food units, a bar, improved retail spaces, and a flexible area for pop-up market stalls and events.

The sympathetic restoration includes the removal of part of the 1970s food hall to reveal the original Market Square frontage and the installation of a stunning central staircase.

Access to the venue has been improved with the addition of a new entrance to the venue from Market Street and the reinstatement of a pedestrian walkway connecting the Alexandra Cinema on Market Street to Market Square.

New paving and infrastructure in Market Square, including new seating and planters and the installation of exterior electricity supplies, will support future events and support ambitions for Newton Abbot’s markets quarter to become a vibrant and welcoming destination for daytime and evening trading and entertainment.

The project has been funded by the UK government’s Future High Streets Fund.

Teignbridge District Council Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Economy, Estates and Major Projects, Councillor David Palethorpe, said: “We’re thrilled with how the regeneration project has transformed the Market Hall into a dynamic civic space and we’re really looking forward to seeing residents and visitors make the most of the space to socialise, shop, eat and enjoy a programme of exciting events.

We’re very grateful to all the market traders, local businesses and residents for their patience throughout the redevelopment.”

Totnes firms shape future as economic plan moves from talk to action

South Hams District Council

-

March 27, 2026

0

Totnes firms shape future as economic plan moves from talk to action

We have published the results of the Totnes Community Economic Plan (CEP) consultation, following engagement with local businesses and organisations between May and August 2025.

The results are now available to view and provide an evidence base to help shape delivery priorities over the coming years.

Over the last six months, the Totnes CEP steering group has reviewed consultation feedback and identified the key outcomes and topics prioritised by the Totnes and Dartington business and organisation community. Publishing the results marks a major milestone in the 18-month programme of engagement with local businesses, organisations and stakeholders across the town.

The Totnes Community Economic Plan was led by us, working closely with Totnes Town Council. This collaborative effort was supported by a steering group comprised of local business owners, community organisations, and residents all volunteering their time regularly.

The consultation was developed by reviewing previous plans and consultations, with regular steering group meetings to ensure a wide range of perspectives were reflected in the questions and engagement approach.

This Plan builds on the foundations of the Totnes Neighbourhood Plan, adopted in November 2023, taking a focused look at economic resilience, employment, transport, skills and sustainability.

Following analysis of the consultation data, Totnes CEP has entered its delivery phase. Topic-based task groups have been identified and priority projects will be set out in individual five-year project plans, to be progressed collaboratively and as funding opportunities arise.

The consultation highlighted several priorities and challenges for local businesses, including:

Marketing and business development: stronger support with marketing and fundraising.
Business forum: interest in training, events and networking opportunities.
Digital connectivity: improved infrastructure in some areas to support efficiency and customer service.
Traffic and transport: improved access for those walking, wheeling and cycling across the town.
Business waste: improved recycling and composting services.
Local procurement: interest in buying more local goods and services to boost the local economy.

Businesses called for practical action on these issues, alongside wider measures to support a collaborative and sustainable local economy.

Cllr John Birch, SHDC’s Executive Member for Economic Development, said: “The Community Economic Plan is about listening carefully to the people who power Totnes’ economy day in, day out.

“By publishing the consultation results, we’re making sure the evidence is transparent and shared, so that businesses, community partners and councils can work together on clear priorities, whether that’s strengthening local networks, improving connectivity or supporting sustainable growth. This is a significant step in turning ideas into deliverable projects and attracting the investment needed to make them happen.”

Work will now continue to develop the draft economic plan, with ongoing collaboration between SHDC, Totnes Town Council and the Totnes CEP steering group to monitor progress and align delivery with available grant funding and investment opportunities.

Totnes Town Council’s, Cllr Nick Roberts, said: ““The CEP consultation was a great opportunity for TTC to hear directly from businesses and voluntary organisations. TTC has undertaken community consultations previously, but this process has allowed us to specifically hear what the benefits and challenges of running a business in Totnes and Dartington are. We visited high street shops, industrial estates and had stands in the civic square market. Many of the stories we heard were very positive, but clearly there are factors which negatively impact our businesses. Through the CEP we aim to understand and address some of these factors. A healthy economy for Totnes greatly benefits those that live, socialise and work in the area.”

The CEP is intended to build on Totnes’ strengths as a place where people want to live, work and visit, while helping the town prepare for future economic and environmental challenges.

The published results provide a clear evidence base to support funding bids, partnership working and community-led initiatives, helping Totnes to attract investment and deliver the projects that matter most to the business community.

The full results and ongoing updates can be viewed on the My Totnes Commonplace platform, where the community can continue to track progress and see how ideas are being turned into action: https://mytotnes.commonplace.is

Plymouth pupils net real skills as seafood project fires up future chefs

Devon Today

-

March 27, 2026

0

Plymouth pupils net real skills as seafood project fires up future chefs

A simmering pot, sharp knives and fresh catch set the scene as pupils swapped theory for practice, stepping into the fast-paced world of professional kitchens under the guidance of industry experts.

Students from All Saints Academy Plymouth have been gaining hands-on experience of the food industry through a community project with the Plymouth Fishing and Seafood Association.

Year nine pupils worked alongside chef Matt Corner and chief executive Edward Baker in one of the school’s technology kitchens, batch producing a fish soup.

The session offered a practical application of skills developed in food and nutrition lessons. Students prepared vegetables and fish while learning directly from professionals in the seafood sector.

The finished soup was described as a success, with pupils expressing pride in both the process and the final dish. The experience also provided an insight into food production and potential careers within catering and the seafood industry.

All Saints Academy Plymouth, part of the Ted Wragg Trust, combines academic learning with practical and professional opportunities. The school said initiatives such as this help prepare students for apprenticeships, employment in local industries and further education through a broad careers programme.

Head teacher Scott Simpson-Horne said: “It was brilliant to see our students getting stuck in and applying what they’ve learned in the classroom.

“Working alongside industry professionals gave them real insight into the food industry, and it’s wonderful to see their confidence and teamwork in action.”

Edward Baker, chief executive of the Plymouth Fishing and Seafood Association, said: “It is great being able to work with local students to show them the diversity of fresh local fish that is available on their doorstep.

“It is especially good to see their enthusiasm and know that you are passing on knowledge about making the best use of all our food to the next generation.

“It’s a pleasure working with All Saints Academy.”

Devon library heroes shortlisted for top award after going above and beyond

Libraries Unlimited

-

March 27, 2026

0

Devon library heroes shortlisted for top award after going above and beyond

Two Libraries Unlimited staff members have been shortlisted for the national Libraries Connected Awards 2026. The awards celebrate the achievements and impact of library workers on their library service, local communities and customers.

Emma Ward from South Molton Library has been shortlisted for the reading category. Emma took on running three book groups to support children, teen and adult reading. To ensure people have the best experience in these groups, Emma has been reading and preparing in her own time. She has worked to engage young people by redesigning the Teen Library to make it inclusive and welcoming. Emma improved access to the Teen Library by using local teens’ feedback to inform the changes, ensuring they feel ownership over the new space.

Beth Harris, Libraries Unlimited’s Health and Wellbeing Development Manager, has been shortlisted for the Health and Wellbeing award. Beth has worked to transform the library service’s offer and strengthen the charity’s reputation as a partner on health and wellbeing initiatives. She has secured funding and collaborated to bring programmes and resources to Devon and Torbay. These include making blood pressure monitors available in all libraries, media literacy workshops in partnership with The Guardian Foundation, and The Outdoor Explorer Club, which helps make the outdoors more accessible.

The awards are organised by Libraries Connected, a charity representing public library services across England, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Crown Dependencies. The shortlist will be considered by an expert panel, and the winners will be announced at a ceremony in June.

Alex Kittow, Chief Executive Officer, at Libraries Unlimited, shared: “It’s a huge honour to have not one but two members of staff shortlisted! We are delighted that Emma and Beth have received this national recognition for their hard work in going above and beyond to enrich and resource community wellbeing. Libraries have the power to transform lives, but that would not be possible without people like Emma and Beth who bring so much heart, thought and enthusiasm to their work.”

Isobel Hunter MBE, chief executive of Libraries Connected, said: “Huge congratulations to all the staff who have been shortlisted for the Libraries Connected Awards 2026. We had a record-breaking number of nominations this year and the range of projects put forward shows just how creative and committed library workers are, even in challenging times. It’s inspiring to see how staff respond to local needs, find new ways to connect people and ensure that libraries remain welcoming and trusted places for everyone. We’re delighted to recognise their achievements.”

The awards are sponsored by OverDrive, a digital content distributor for libraries and schools worldwide.

Devon pupils pile up pennies as Comic Relief laughs its way to £30m

Devon Today

-

March 27, 2026

0

Devon pupils pile up pennies as Comic Relief laughs its way to £30m

Laughter turned into loose change as Devon schoolchildren did their bit for Comic Relief, with coin towers, crazy hair and funny outfits helping to boost the charity’s latest fundraising drive.

After an evening of comedy sketches, singing and dancing, Comic Relief announced that £30 million had been raised.

The charity was launched in 1985 and the first Red Nose Day telethon was held in 1988, raising £15 million and drawing an audience of more than 30 million viewers, according to the source material provided by the user.

Schools across Devon were among those joining in with fundraising activities.

Comic Relief 2026 – Tidcombe Primary School

At Priory Catholic Primary School, pupils in Buttercups Class, made up of Reception and Year 1 children, took part in tower building and money design activities using 1p, 2p, 5p, 10p, 20p, 50p and £1 coins. The school said it raised £287.51.

Tidcombe Primary in Tiverton said: “Today the children came to school with crazy hair, helping to raise money for Comic Relief.”

At The Beacon Church of England Primary and Pre-School in Exmouth, children and staff wore something funny for money as part of the appeal.