UPDATES: December 7

The annual Great West Run was officially launched at Exeter's Guildhall Shopping Centre on Saturday, as young and old alike signed up to take part in the city's iconic half-marathon

Next year will mark the 25th anniversary of the 13-mile race, which has become a major event for city residents, drawing runners from across the county.

Those who signed up to take part on Saturday were entered into a prize draw to win a training session with professional physiologist Dr Andrew Middlebrooke, and free gym membership at Exeter University.

Visitors also had a chance to watch training demonstrations on a treadmill.

Next year's chosen charities are Exeter Drug and Alcohol Project, Exeter Leukaemia Fund, Force Cancer Support and Honeylands Specialist Children's Centre.

For more information visit www.thegreatwestrun.co.uk, email mail@thegreatwestrun.co.uk or call 01392 493 800

For more, see Monday's Echo.

A resident suffered smoke inhalation after a blaze engulfed a first floor flat. Firefighters used an aerial ladder to tackle the flames which took hold in the block of flats in Rundle Road, Newton Abbot, at 6am. The male casualty was taken to hospital by ambulance. The fire crews used breathing apparatus and hose reels to get the flames under control. They then cleared the smoke with ventilation equipment and used thermal cameras to ensure the scene was safe

What do a pair of crutches, a cat called Holly and £30,000 in used notes have in common?

They are just three of the many unusual items left onboard trains passing through Exeter.

The cat was claimed, the crutches were sent to the hospital and the £30,0000...?

That was found by a member of CrossCountry rail staff on the Plymouth to Edinburgh train. When the train stopped the honest member of staff handed the cash in and it was passed on to the police.

A spokeswoman for Crossrail, one of Britain's largest train operators, said: "As far as we know nobody has ever claimed the money which makes us all feel perhaps it was a little dodgy."

The money, cat and crutches were among the most unusual and interesting items that have been left behind on Crossrail trains during 2008.

And, as the busy Christmas holiday season approaches, CrossCountry is reminding its customers to take care of their possessions when travelling.

Every year, approximately 6,000 items are found by CrossCountry's onboard staff.

The top 10 items left on a CrossCountry train are: mobile phones; books; umbrellas, bags (handbags, hand luggage, briefcase etc); Ipod /MP3 players; glasses; carrier bags/shopping; laptops; jewellery and wallets/purses

Andy Cooper, managing director at CrossCountry said: "People leave all sorts of items on trains and this year we have found some very unusual ones, including baby buggies, shoes, designer handbags, cricket bats and even a wedding dress.

"We always advise passengers to check their seats and the areas around them when leaving a train, especially at busy times, to ensure that they have all their belongings with them. However, people can sometimes forget things and our staff are always on the lookout for anything left behind, and we always endeavour to reunite our passengers with their lost luggage."

Exeter police will be out in force tonight in the city's Bedford Square handing out personal alarms.

It is part of a personal safety campaign being undertaken in the run up to Christmas.

Phone giant BT has waived charges for reconnecting the services of some of the victims of flooding which hit two Devon communities.

It follows complaints by householders at Ottery St Mary and Feniton who were sent bills of more than £200 apiece.

Their anger was supported by local councillor Roger Giles who raised the issue with the county council on which he also serves.