John Ayres

Photographer Marcus Davies's images documenting Torquay United's centenary season in 1999 and promotion campaign in 2004 have been featured in the football fanzine Lower Block. Davies received permission from then-chairman Mike Bateson to photograph the club beyond match action, capturing its supporters, culture and behind-the-scenes atmosphere. His photographs from Torquay's decisive 2-1 victory over Southend United in 2004 record the fans' intense anxiety and celebration, which journalist Dave Thomas says conveyed the significance of the day as powerfully as the events on the pitch.

Hundreds of people protested in Barnstaple against the temporary suspension of birthing services at North Devon District Hospital. Mothers said the closure, attributed by the Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust to staffing shortages, creates dangerous travel times to maternity units in Exeter and Taunton. The trust said it understood the strength of local feeling and was pursuing recruitment and a recovery programme to restore births as quickly and safely as possible.

Devon and Cornwall Police reports a 13% rise in non‑emergency 999 calls in June 2026 as summer tourism increases, with only a small fraction requiring emergency deployment. The force urges residents and visitors to use 101 or online reporting for non‑urgent issues and to direct matters like noise or environmental complaints to the appropriate agencies. Staff commander Lucy Baillie stresses that non‑emergency reports remain important but must be prioritized appropriately to reduce pressure on emergency call handlers.

Tourism operators in Devon are adjusting to higher fuel costs and economic pressures by adopting new strategies. Dartmouth Steam Railway and River Boat Company replaced its ageing buses through a partnership with Stagecoach, which now supplies electric buses for its Round Robin route. Plymouth Boat Trips, facing increased fuel and operational costs influenced by the US-Iran conflict, is attempting to avoid raising prices and encouraging locals to support regional businesses. Both companies expect a strong local holiday season as residents opt for staycations.

Tourism operators in Devon are adapting to higher fuel costs by modernizing services and seeking local customer support. Dartmouth Steam Railway and River Boat Company has replaced costly heritage buses with electric vehicles supplied by Stagecoach to improve reliability and reduce expenses. Plymouth Boat Trips reports rising fuel and operational costs linked to the US–Iran conflict but aims to avoid increasing prices by encouraging greater local patronage. Both firms anticipate a strong staycation season as domestic tourism becomes more attractive amid economic pressures.

A community transport bus from Totnes intended for a Ukraine aid convoy was unable to depart after a mechanical failure forced it into limp mode. The charity Ukrainian Action substituted another minibus as five other vehicles continued the 2,000‑mile journey carrying medical supplies, generators and mobility equipment. Volunteers emphasised the need for evacuation transport in frontline villages, while participants and local supporters expressed solidarity with Ukraine and pride in ongoing community‑led humanitarian contributions.