7PM: The future of a youth project in Exeter and Teignmouth is in doubt amid speculation that Devon County Council is about to pull its funding.

The authority has been accused of being "inept and unprofessional" after apparently axing funds for the Youth Inclusion Programme, aimed at keeping youngsters away from crime.

For full story, see Wednesday's Echo.

6PM: Police are urging witnesses of a suspected car accident in Budleigh Salterton to contact them.

It is believed an incident between the driver of a red saloon car and a young woman and her child in a pushchair took place at around 12.40pm today in the town's Ragg Lane.

5PM: Cases of suspected swine flu in Devon have dropped to virtually none as it was confirmed a national service aimed at fighting the virus was standing down.

As of Thursday, the National Pandemic Flu Service, set up in July last year at the height of the first wave of the pandemic, will end, reflecting the now low levels of influenza in the community.

For full story, see Wednesday's Echo.

4PM: The prospect of Waitrose coming to Exeter has moved a step closer after the supermarket giant confirmed it had purchased a site subject to gaining planning permission.

With an application to Exeter City Council for a new store described as "imminent," a spokesman for Waitrose said, although it was not pre-empting any decision, it now had ownership of the former Heavitree Hospital maternity centre if its plans were approved.

For full story, see Wednesday's Echo.

3PM: Plans to reduce Devon's street lighting power bill in a bid to curb pollution are set to take a major step forward.

The new policy to cut carbon and save money will reduce the energy use of almost 9,000 street lights over the next six months.

For full story, see Wednesday's Echo.

2PM: Exeter singer-songwriter Stephen James has penned a new number to raise money to help victims of the Haiti earthquake

Stephen, who is better known locally as Steve Watts and has recorded jingles for BBC Radio 2's Steve Wright in the Afternoon show, said one of his fans had suggested the idea.

For full story, see Wednesday's Echo.

1PM: Adventurous student Matt Barrett is taking part in a 1,500 mile hike to raise money for charity.

The 19-year-old from Cullompton, who is studying philosophy, politics and economics at Oxford University, will hike from Oxford to Marrakesh with two friends.

For full story, see Wednesday's Echo.

NOON: Train fans are getting up steam to mark the 150th anniversary of one of Devon's most attractive railway journeys.

The Exmouth to Exeter line, which runs for much of its length alongside the Exe Estuary, was opened by Exmouth businessmen in 1861.

For full story, see Thursday's Echo.

11AM: Burglary victim Florence Anderson has been left devastated after a thief stole precious First World War memorabilia from her home.

The 70-year-old has appealed directly to the burglar to return war medals belonging to her grandfather.

For full story, see Wednesday's Echo.

10AM: The future of the city's Autumn and Vibraphonic festivals will be debated tonight. Exeter City Council's executive committee is to decide whether to cut the grants it awards the events, as part of money-saving proposals.

It would save the council £16,000 as it tries to find £1m to balance its books.

For full story, see Wednesday's Echo.