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Junior parkrun fever grips Tiverton as numbers soar

Lewis Clarke
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Junior parkrun fever grips Tiverton as numbers soar

More than 140 children have been splashing through puddles at a Tiverton park every Sunday morning as the town’s new junior parkrun rapidly becomes one of the area’s biggest community success stories.

The free 2km event at Westexe Recreation Ground is now in its sixth week and has already drawn record numbers, with organisers saying the turnout proves the town had been crying out for it.

Karen Collard, organiser of Westexe Rec junior parkrun, said she was initially reluctant to take it on.

“My friend Carla, who’s the ambassador, kept saying we really need a junior parkrun, and she kept hinting that I ought to help out and do one, but I kept resisting and then in the end I thought, ‘oh, why not?’ So here we are,” she said.

Attendance has grown steadily since launch. “Our first week we had 79 children, today we’ve had 147, which is our biggest ever,” Karen said. “Tiverton definitely needed a parkrun and we’re getting more and more people every week. It’s just amazing.”

The crowds have not been deterred by poor weather. “I’ve got wet every week,” she added. “Every week it’s rained at some point during the morning. I don’t know why they’re coming in the rain, but parkrun is an amazing thing.”

Tiverton Junior parkun

The junior event is open to four to 14-year-olds, who can run, walk or skip the course at their own pace. Organisers stress there is no pressure to win, and that every child is supported to the finish.

Carla Gregory, South West ambassador for parkrun, said Mid Devon had previously been the only area in the county without any parkrun provision.

“We’re really struggling to find areas for a 5K but we identified areas for a 2K for juniors and for young people the parents don’t have to drive from here, they can walk here. It’s easily accessible and it just brings a community together,” she said.

She added that the benefits go beyond exercise. “They can come along, they can do whatever pace they want, they can take as long as they like, they will never be last. We always have a volunteer who does that for them and it just brings in a nice habit of getting up on a Sunday morning, coming down here, meeting some friends, coming with their family,” Carla said.

Around 16 volunteers help run the Tiverton event each week, ranging in age from young children to pensioners. Organisers say more will be needed as nearby Cullompton prepares to launch its own junior parkrun.

Local leaders have praised the initiative and its impact on the town. Tiverton mayor Cllr Neal Davey said he was struck by the turnout on a wet February morning. “It’s absolutely great,” he said, adding that it was “wonderful” to see young people outside in the fresh air rather than looking at a screen.

Mid Devon District Council chair Cllr Gordon Czapiewski said the event showed how public spaces could be used positively without disruption.

“I came to this park 8.30am this morning, it’s now 10am, was there a parkrun here or not? You wouldn’t know,” he said. “Not to disrupt, not to destroy, but to make things like parkrun part of what we do – that for me is the key.”

Chart topping singer brings mental health message to Exeter

Devon Today
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Chart topping singer brings mental health message to Exeter

Students were given more than just a lesson in music when a chart-topping singer stepped onto the school stage to speak candidly about mental health, online safety and the realities of growing up in the social media age.

Pupils at Isca Academy welcomed Canadian singer-songwriter Capri for a series of live performances and discussions focused on wellbeing, body image and digital pressures.

The 21-year-old, who is currently based in Los Angeles, performed across three sessions for different year groups. Students were given free T-shirts, had photographs taken and received signed autographs during the visit.

Alongside her performances, Capri spoke about her own experiences with mental health and body image, encouraging open conversations about wellbeing, respectful relationships and the safe use of social media. She told students that such challenges are faced by many young people and that support is available.

Capri has achieved millions of streams across platforms including Spotify, TikTok and YouTube. She holds a Guinness World Record for singing 76 national anthems in their host countries, in their native languages, in one year to raise money for orphaned and abandoned children. She completed the challenge at the age of 11. Her recent release, Arcade, reached number 17 on the Billboard charts.

The visit formed part of the school’s wider work to support student wellbeing and digital awareness.

Mrs Vicki Joyce, headteacher at Isca Academy, said: “It was a fantastic opportunity for our students to hear from Capri. Her performances were exciting and engaging, but just as importantly, her messages around mental health, social media and online pressures were incredibly powerful.

“Experiences like this help students see how learning connects to the wider world and show that education does not stop at the classroom door.”

Moira Marder, chief executive of the Ted Wragg Trust, said: “Visits like this can have a real impact on young people. Hearing from someone who is willing to speak openly about creativity, wellbeing and the challenges of modern life helps students feel supported and understood, while also showing them the many different paths their interests and talents could lead to.”

Devon professionals to receive vital stalking awareness training

Office of Police and Crime Commissioner
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Devon professionals to receive vital stalking awareness training

The Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner is proud to launch new training to help frontline professionals identify and respond to evidence of stalking.    

The sessions will be delivered online throughout March by national charity the Hollie Gazzard Trust.  

Hollie was just 20 years old when she was murdered by her abusive ex-partner while working at a Gloucester hairdressing salon. During their relationship, she was subjected to coercive and controlling behaviour. After she ended the relationship, the abuse escalated into stalking.  

Hollie’s family were unaware of the risk she faced. Her ex-partner’s behaviour was not recognised as stalking, and the danger she was in was not fully understood. Her death highlights the devastating consequences of missed opportunities to identify stalking and intervene early. 

Hollie Gazzard training day launch – Police and Crime Commissioner Alison Hernandez

The training has been commissioned by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly using grant funding from the Ministry of Justice. 

It is for anyone working with the public, including: 

  • Specialist domestic abuse practitioners 
  • Family support and early help workers 
  • Victim advocates 
  • Social workers 
  • Housing officers 
  • Youth workers 
  • Police officers and staff 
  • Magistrates/Judiciary  
  • Crown Prosecution Service 

There are six four-hour sessions being offered and a video of the training will be available online for a year.  

The sessions focus on identifying stalking early and protecting those at greatest risk of serious harm. 

Stalking behaviour is described by the Crown Prosecution Service as fixated, obsessive, unwanted and repeated. Stalking is a high-risk form of abuse strongly linked to serious violence, yet stalking is frequently misunderstood, minimised, or misidentified as harassment until the risk has escalated. 

Hollie Gazzard

This project aims to equip professionals with the knowledge and confidence to: 

  • Identify stalking behaviours early 
  • Understand why ex-partner stalking is high risk 
  • Recognise how stalking differs from harassment 
  • Apply a basic understanding of the law on stalking 
  • Assess risk and implement effective safeguarding 
  • Signpost victims to specialist stalking support 

This training draws on lived experience, evidence, and best practice to strengthen professional responses — and ultimately to help prevent serious harm before it occurs. 

To find out more, visit the Hollie Gazzard Trust. 

Devon chef takes on high pressure ITV kitchen challenge

Devon Today
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Devon chef takes on high pressure ITV kitchen challenge

A Devon chef has stepped into the national spotlight after appearing in a brand-new ITV cooking competition that puts culinary talent under intense pressure.

Popular Exeter restaurant Crave has voiced its support for its creative director and chef, Tom Lodge, who features in The Heat on ITV2 and ITVX.

Hosted by Olivia Attwood, The Heat sees chefs from across the UK placed in a high-pressure cooking environment as they compete for the chance to prove themselves at the highest level. Throughout the series, contestants work under the guidance of multi Michelin star award-winning chef Jean-Christophe Novelli, who is opening an exclusive summer restaurant at Port Vell Marina and is seeking the next rising star of the culinary world.

Tom, who is originally from south Wales, began cooking professionally at the age of 16. He went on to gain experience at The Hardwick in Abergavenny, Lucknam Park in Wiltshire and The Savoy in London, where he staged under Gordon Ramsay, working alongside leading names in the industry.

He is now creative director at Crave in Exeter, working closely with owner Sameer Shetty to develop and evolve the restaurant’s menus while continuing to work hands-on in the kitchen. The restaurant said his appearance on the programme reflects the depth of talent within its team as it prepares to open a second site in Bristol.

Sameer Shetty, owner of Crave, said: “We’re really proud of Tom and excited to see him taking part in The Heat.

“He has played a crucial role in Crave’s success, and our menu development has gone from strength to strength with Tom’s support.

“To see someone with that level of skill and drive, at his age, step onto a national stage is fantastic.

“The Heat is exactly the sort of high-pressure environment where Tom’s focus and creativity really come into their own.”

Tom Lodge added: “Being part of The Heat was a brilliant experience and a real challenge.

“I’m grateful for the support from the team at Crave and looking forward to people watching the series.”

The show is designed to test chefs’ technical skill, creativity and ability to perform under pressure, offering viewers a behind-the-scenes look at professional kitchens.

The Heat aired on Tuesday, February 24 at 9pm on ITV2 and is available to stream on ITVX.

South Hams pupils dress up for maths themed NSPCC Number Day

Devon Today
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South Hams pupils dress up for maths themed NSPCC Number Day

Pupils at a village primary school proved they have a head for figures as classrooms were transformed into a celebration of all things numerical in support of a national children’s charity.

Children at Charleton CofE Academy, part of the Learning Academy Partnership, spent the day taking part in activities and games to mark NSPCC Number Day.

The school was filled with numbers and creative outfits, with staff and pupils dressing up to add to the occasion. Throughout the day, children explored how maths plays a part in everyday life.

NSPCC Number Day is a national fundraising event in which schools across the UK take part in number-based activities to support the NSPCC’s work for children and families. Donations raised help fund services including Childline and the charity’s Speak out Stay Safe programme, which teaches children how to recognise and respond to abuse and where to turn for help.

During the event, pupils also reflected on the role of the NSPCC and considered how learning with numbers can be both enjoyable and purposeful.

Charleton CofE Academy said its maths curriculum develops pupils’ understanding through exploration, reasoning and problem solving. Children are encouraged to make connections, identify patterns and approach challenges creatively, helping to build fluency and resilience as well as an appreciation of mathematics.

Hannah Ruston, headteacher of Charleton CofE Academy, said: “Our pupils had a brilliant time embracing the joy of numbers.

“It was great to see them so engaged while supporting an important cause that helps children and families across the UK.

“Thank you to everyone who joined in and helped make NSPCC Number Day so much fun.”

Tracey Cleverly, chief executive officer of Learning Academy Partnership, said: “NSPCC Number Day is a great way to show how learning can be both fun and meaningful.

“It’s fantastic to see Charleton pupils engaging with maths in a practical way while also learning about the wider world and the work of the NSPCC.”

Devon welcomes major SEND reforms but warns on funding

Devon County Council
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Devon welcomes major SEND reforms but warns on funding

Councillor Denise Bickley, Devon County Council Cabinet Member for Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), has welcomed the publication of the government’s education and SEND white paper, Every Child Achieving and Thriving.

The white paper sets out the government’s plans to improve outcomes for children and young people. This includes children with SEND and their families.

Councillor Bickley said the publication is an important step forward. It recognises the scale of the challenge facing the SEND system and the need for long‑term reform.

She welcomed the white paper’s focus on earlier support for children, clearer national standards, and stronger partnership working between education, health and care services.

She also welcomed the emphasis on inclusion and building workforce capacity, including plans to recruit more teachers.

Councillor Bickley said councils have long called for these priorities and are ready to play their part in delivering change.

Councillor Denise Bickley said: “The publication of this white paper is a positive step. It clearly recognises the pressures facing the SEND system and the need to improve outcomes for children and young people.

“The focus on earlier intervention is welcome. Supporting children sooner can make a real difference to their lives and reduce the need for more intensive support later on.

“Clearer national standards and stronger joint working between education, health and care services are also important. Families need greater consistency and confidence, wherever they live.

“The white paper’s commitment to inclusion and workforce growth, including recruiting more teachers, is encouraging. These are essential foundations for a stronger system.

“Teachers need to be allowed to teach – and be respected for the knowledge and experience they bring to their role. Teaching assistants need to be recognised for the vital role they play in schools. We will see how the white paper, as it moves through consultation, addresses this.

“There is an obvious desire from schools and families for smaller class sizes and parents will want reassurance that funding will be sufficient to allow this – although if schools are given the tools to pool funding and work collaboratively, as laid out in the plans, this may well free up funding for complete reorganisation and innovative planning.

“I agree that all children should be stretched, as long as that is a comfortable, encouraging stretch and not pressured – but I am concerned about the suggestion of more statutory testing, now at Year 8.

“In general I like the tone of the paper; that it is a long term ambition with early help and collaboration at its heart. This is shared by Devon County Council.

“We are committed to working constructively with ministers, partners and families as these proposals are taken forward. With the right funding and long‑term planning, this reform has the potential to deliver a more stable and sustainable education system that works better for all children, families and schools.”

Major SEND shake up promises new rights for Exeter pupils

Devon Today
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Major SEND shake up promises new rights for Exeter pupils

Thousands of children with special educational needs and disabilities in Exeter are set to gain new legal rights to personalised support in schools under sweeping reforms unveiled by the Government.

Under the proposals, every child identified with SEND will be entitled to an Individual Support Plan (ISP), a change ministers say will end the “one size fits all” approach that has left many families struggling to secure help.

The reforms, backed by £4 billion of national investment, aim to make mainstream schools more inclusive. Schools will be placed under a new legal duty to create ISPs for all children with SEND, drawing on a national framework of support and tailored by teachers and specialists.

Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) will be retained and strengthened for children who need more intensive or complex provision. A set of transitional protections has also been announced.

Any child with a special school place in 2029 will be able to keep it until they finish their education if they choose. For children in mainstream education with an EHCP who may in future move to an ISP, transitions will not begin until 2030 and only as pupils naturally move between phases, such as from primary to secondary school. ISPs will be prepared in advance to ensure there is no break in support.

Mainstream settings, including those in Exeter, will gain greater access to specialist services such as speech and language therapists and educational psychologists. Backed by £1.8 billion of new funding, the Government says that by 2029 this will equate to an average of 40 days of specialist support per primary school and 160 days per secondary school.

Steve Race, MP for Exeter, said: “I’m determined that a child’s background shouldn’t dictate where they end up, but too many children with SEND in Exeter have been held back by an education system that doesn’t work for them.

“The SEND system, designed a decade ago for a small number of children, is now at breaking point after ten years of Tory rule. That’s led to parents having to fight tooth and nail for entitlements on paper – that doesn’t necessarily deliver the additional support in practice. This has meant that children’s lives and life chances have suffered.

“This is an issue of massive importance for families in Exeter. From my conversations on the doorstep, the roundtables I have held for parents and professionals, and the dozens of families whom I have supported in the SEND system, there’s no doubt that the system needs to change.

“Today’s plans will take children with SEND from sidelined to seen, heard and included. Every child will get the brilliant support they deserve, when they need it, as routine and without a fight.

“Already this year, the Government has written off Devon’s £180m SEND deficit and announced £200m of training to make sure staff in every school, college and nursery are equipped to support all the children in their care.

“I’m pleased that this Government is getting on with the job of fixing the broken SEND system so that every child can achieve and thrive at school and build a brighter future.”

The proposals are set out in a White Paper outlining a decade-long plan to create what ministers describe as a sustainable and inclusive SEND system.

Further measures include digitising EHCPs and ISPs to reduce bureaucracy, updating the school complaints process to include an independent SEND expert on panels where disputes arise, and introducing Specialist Provision Packages to improve consistency of support across the country.

Independent special schools will be brought under a new regulatory regime to ensure they deliver the support set out in specialist packages at a fair and reasonable price.

Parents in Exeter and across the country will retain the right to appeal decisions to the SEND Tribunal, including whether a child should be assessed for a specialist provision package, which package they should receive and which school they should attend.

Ministers say the changes, alongside a £1.6 billion inclusion grant and £3.7 billion to create more than 60,000 additional specialist places, are designed to ensure families can send their child to a local school with confidence that appropriate support will be in place.

Ban extended on Barnstaple problem house after court ruling

Devon Today
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Ban extended on Barnstaple problem house after court ruling

Residents have been given a further reprieve after a court agreed to extend a ban on a problem property linked to persistent antisocial behaviour.

Following sustained work by neighbourhood officers in Barnstaple, a three-month extension to a closure order at a property on Victoria Road has been granted.

Police thanked residents for continuing to report incidents in the area, saying every piece of information had helped officers build a clearer picture of what was happening.

A spokesperson said: “We would like to thank local residents for continuing to report antisocial behaviour.

“Every report, no matter how minor it may seem, helps us to build a clear picture of what is happening in the area.”

Officers said the intelligence gathered enabled them to take proportionate and appropriate action, using antisocial behaviour legislation where necessary and pursuing enforcement or prosecution when required.

The spokesperson added: “Please continue to share concerns with us — your information plays a vital role in keeping the community safe and improving quality of life for those who live and work in the area.”

The original closure order was granted by Barnstaple Magistrates’ Court on Monday, November 18, after police applied for the measure following what the neighbourhood team described as “prolonged reports of antisocial behaviour and disorder”.

Police said at the time that the address had become a “hotspot for antisocial behaviour which caused persistent disruption to the local community”.

The order makes it an offence for anyone other than registered tenants, the landlord and their agents, or emergency services, to enter the property during the three-month period, which has now been extended.

Anyone wishing to report antisocial behaviour, or other concerns, is urged to call 999 in an ongoing emergency or threat to life, 101 for non-emergencies, or make a report online at https://orlo.uk/H6TyV.

Future of East Devon leisure centres under review by council

East Devon District Council
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Future of East Devon leisure centres under review by council

East Devon District Council is reviewing how its leisure centres are run so it can protect them for the long term and make sure residents continue to receive good quality services.

The council is responsible for nine leisure centres, one theatre and several outdoor sports and recreation sites across East Devon. These are located in Axminster, Broadclyst, Colyton, Exmouth, Honiton, Ottery St Mary, Sidmouth and Seaton.

The facilities have been run for many years by LED Community Leisure. Alongside a well regarded health and wellbeing programme, they play an important role in supporting local communities and helping people stay active and well. Feedback from users continues to be positive.

The current management agreement includes a scheduled review at this point. This means the council must now check that future leisure services continue to offer good quality and value for money. As part of this, and in line with normal practice, the council is running a full and competitive tender process. This allows the council to respond to changes in the market and choose the most sustainable and cost effective option for the future.

The tender process opened late last year and attracted interest from a number of potential operators. The council has now assessed the initial submissions against the agreed criteria and will move to the next stage of the process.

All leisure services will continue as normal during this process. There will be no changes to facilities, activities or programmes. The council is also keeping key partners informed, including local schools that use the leisure centres.

Councillor Nick Hookway, Portfolio Holder Culture, Leisure, Sport and Tourism, East Devon District Council, said: “Our leisure centres are highly valued by residents across East Devon. Maintaining the quality of these services is very important in helping residents to be active, fit and healthy. The decision to go out to tender followed a thorough review of current services and costs. By having a new contract, the council will be able to ensure that its leisure services are fit for purpose, sustainable and delivered with the best possible value for the foreseeable future. The response to the tendering process has been encouraging.”

The tender process will continue throughout this year, with the contract expected to be awarded by the end of 2026. This will be followed by a mobilisation period, ahead of a planned start date in 2027.

Knife Angel set to tower over Plymouth in fight against violence

Plymouth City Council
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Knife Angel set to tower over Plymouth in fight against violence

Plymouth will welcome the Knife Angel throughout next month, the National Monument Against Violence and Aggression.  

Standing 27 feet tall and created from more than 100,000 seized or surrendered knives, the sculpture is a powerful symbol of the impact of violent crime and a catalyst for education, prevention and remembrance. 

The visit is funded by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC) and is utilising funding from the Community Safety Partnership’s Serious Violence Duty fund.  

Devon and Cornwall Police and Plymouth City Council are supporting the visit, working alongside a wide range of partners including schools and multi academy trusts, youth services, domestic abuse specialists, mental health and substance misuse providers, community and voluntary groups, faith organisations and Mike’s Trust. 

Although knife crime in Plymouth remains relatively low compared to many parts of the UK, it causes real harm when it occurs. Police estimate that around one in 2,000 people carry a knife in Devon and Cornwall.  Many knife related incidents in Plymouth are linked to wider issues such as domestic abuse, alcohol related harm, exploitation, and mental health or self-harm crises. 

The Knife Angel’s visit is about turning these difficult realities into action: encouraging people not to carry knives, promoting safe surrender options and supporting a month-long programme of education and community engagement designed to prevent harm and protect lives. 

The Knife Angel will be installed outside the Civic Centre and Guildhall and illuminated each evening. It will be in situ from 3 to 30 March 2026. 

Cllr Sally Haydon, Cabinet Member for Community Safety at Plymouth City Council, said: “The Knife Angel is more than a sculpture, it is a moment for our city to come together. Alongside our partners, we’re supporting workshops, community talks and school sessions that will help turn awareness into real change.  

“Plymouth does not face a knife‑crime crisis, and overall incidents here remain comparatively low, but even one incident is one too many and its impact can be lifelong. This programme isn’t about suggesting there is a problem; it’s about keeping it that way. 

“By bringing the Knife Angel to Plymouth, we are sending a clear message of prevention, education and early intervention. It acts as a powerful deterrent, a reminder of the consequences of violence, and a chance to engage people of all ages before harm occurs. This is fundamentally about compassion, community responsibility and standing alongside those who have been affected – while working proactively to protect others in the future.” 

Police and Crime Commissioner Alison Hernandez said: “We thankfully don’t have the scale of knife problems as seen in other areas of the country, but it is still there and we can’t ignore it.    

“My office’s recent survey of young people and adults identified they worried about people carrying weapons on our streets. The more we can do to deter people from carrying a knife and show that we act to prevent their concerns the better, which is why when I heard about successful engagements with people when the Knife Angel has visited other areas such as Kent and Gloucestershire, I wanted to deliver the opportunity in our area. The Knife Angel is an impactful way of reaching out to young people,  organisations and the community. It’s a reminder that still too many people die each year where a knife is involved. It’s not just about having the Knife Angel statue there, but also an educational package around it during the month it is there to prevent people considering carrying a knife or encouragement to report those who do.”  

Plymouth Commander, Devon and Cornwall Police, Matt Longman added: “The knife angel is a visually striking and thought-provoking structure.  It is hoped that it will create conversations and raise awareness around knife safety among our communities across all age groups. Devon and Cornwall Police is pleased to be supporting this campaign, in particular by facilitating the education packages which are being offered to schools and colleges across the region.  It’s important that people understand that carrying a knife doesn’t make them safer; in fact it can put a person in more danger of knife harm. 

“We have permanent knife surrender bins at police stations across the area and encourage people to use them. I urge anyone who has concerns about knife crime or knife carrying to contact police or anonymously through CrimeStoppers.” 

More information about the visit 

Programme of activities 

Throughout March, partners across the city will deliver a range of events and initiatives, including a full programme of activities in schools across the city. In addition: 

Community activities  

If any local group or organisation would like to hold their own activities, quiet reflection, workshops, or coordinated sessions regarding the Knife Angel or Knife Crime in Plymouth, please email: emily.richards@fgct.co.uk as the Council has reserved rooms in the Council House for community-led activity. 

Bystander intervention training 

We are holding two Bystander Training sessions, so people can learn how to safely and confidently speak up when they witness harassment or discrimination. This practical, in‑person session will help attendees recognise violence against women and girls, understand the power of intervention, challenge harmful gender stereotypes, and take meaningful action without escalating risk. Register to attend now so you can become an active bystander and help create a safer, more respectful community for everyone. Full details available on our website.  

Safe surrender information 

  • Safe surrender points are permanently located at police stations across the region. Find your nearest location: dc.police.uk/peo
  • If you are concerned about someone carrying a knife, you can report it at: dc.police.uk/tua 
  • You can share information anonymously with CrimeStoppers: 0800 555111 
  • Retailers can access guidance on responsible knife sales at: www.nbcc.police.uk/knifeguidance 

Support for people impacted  

We recognise that the Knife Angel can be emotionally challenging for those who have been a victim of knife crime. Please see our website for more information.  

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