Hourly Updates: Thursday, November 13

8PM: Two people were taken to hospital following a crash in a Devon village.

A black Fiat Punto and a green Toyota Corolla collided outside the Half Way Inn pub in Aylesbeare at around 6pm.

Staff and customers from the pub rushed out to assist the occupants of the cars and direct traffic.

Bar manager Chris Brister said the cars were severely damaged, with one ending up in a ditch.

A police spokeswoman said the driver of the Toyota was taken to the Royal Devon & Exeter Hospital and the driver of the Fiat to Honiton Hospital. Both had minor injuries.

Two passengers were unhurt.

The road was closed until the scene was cleared by 7.30pm.

5PM: A driver was taken to hospital following an accident which closed one lane of the A30 near Exeter.

A dark grey Lexus collided with the central reservation on the westbound carriageway near the Exeter Airport interchange.

The driver was taken to the Royal Devon & Exeter Hospital by ambulance but was not seriously injured.

One lane of the dual carriageway was closed until the vehicle was recovered.

4PM: Police are concerned for the safety of a woman, reported missing from home and possibly staying in East Devon.

West Mercia Police say Julie Cairns, aged 32, was reported missing by relatives on Monday. She was driving a red Hyundai Getz, registration number VK55 ENH.

Police say she could be staying in Sidmouth, where she was recently on holiday.

Anyone with information should telephone West Mercia Police on 0300 333 3000.

3PM: A flood-hit Devon craft centre and shop has re-opened after a clear-up operation.

Otterton Mill's bakery and food shop was closed for two weeks after freak flooding in the Otter Valley.

For full story, see Friday's Echo.

2PM: Firefighters were called to school in Budleigh Salterton this morning following reports of a fire in the kitchen.

Two crews were alerted just after 11.15am to a small fire in a light fitting at the building in Moor Lane.

1PM: Two Devon Royal Marines have been killed in an explosion in southern Afghanistan, the Ministry of Defence said today.

The pair from Plymouth were part of UK Landing Force Command Support Group.

They were taking part in a joint patrol with soldiers from Afghan security forces when their vehicle was struck by an explosive device in the Garmsir district of Southern Helmand yesterday afternoon.

NOON: Exeter College adds £41.3m to the local economy, according to a new report.

New figures also show the college is a major employer locally, with 624 workers helping 10,376 students in the 2006/7 financial year.

The analysis was carried out by the Association of Colleges to mark the first ever Colleges Week, which celebrates the work of staff in unlocking talent in communities and transforming the lives of learners.

For full story, see Friday's Echo.

11AM: Primary schools across Devon are set for a major boost of nearly £30 million over the next two years.

Devon County Council is one of 41 local authorities to have its building plans given the green light by the Government.

Ministers have agreed to grant Devon £14 million over the next two years and the county will double this from its own resources.

For full story, see Thursday's Echo.

10AM: New trees are set to be planted in the centre of Exeter — but others will have to go.

A total of 15 plane trees will be put in later this month as part of the environmental improvement of Paris Street and Sidwell Street.

For full story, see Thursday's Echo.

9AM: Traders have told a public inquiry that shopkeepers will be forced out of business if a new supermarket opens in a Devon town.

Honiton Chamber of Commerce is against Tesco replacing its existing store with a new supermarket in Ottery Moor Lane.

For full story, see Thursday's Echo.

8.30AM: Police have called off their hunt for a missing Devon woman after she was located by officers in Sussex, early today.

The search was launched after Deborah Bowers was last seen in the Newcombes area of Crediton yesterday afternoon.

8AM: Firefighters cleared oil and water from the road after a car collided with an embankment.

Emergency services were called to the incident between Culmstock to Uffculme shortly before 6pm last night.