Fire crews were called to a listed building in Clyst St Mary after a fire broke out in a plug socket. Read this and more news

SOCKET FIRE: Fire crews were called to a listed building in Clyst St Mary after a fire broke out in a plug socket.

Firefighters from four stations, including Topsham, were dispatched to Bishops Court following reports of an electrical burning smell.

When the first crew, from Middlemoor, arrived on the scene, they discovered that there had been a small fire in the first floor landing, but it was already out.

The crew then made sure the area was safe before leaving.

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BROOKE SUCCESS: Kind-hearted Topsham residents have put their hands in their pockets to help working donkeys.

The Topsham Supporters Group of the Brooke Hospital for Animals held a fundraising coffee morning at Matthews Hall, and more than �600 was raised.

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GROVE EXTENSION: Plans have been submitted to build a ground floor extension at a house in Topsham.

The owners of 12 Grove Hill want to build the extension in their back garden. The plans will now be considered by the city council.

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GOLDEN TICKET: Chocoholics are being given the chance to meet Willie the chocolate maker – but in order to do so they must have a golden ticket.

Darts Farm is holding an event with Willie Harcourt-Cooze, star of Channel 4’s Willie’s Wonky Chocolate Factory, on November 12 between 11.30am and 2pm.

However, the event is strictly limited to 25 competition winners, who will be sent golden tickets. To enter, visit the Darts Farm Shop and fill in an entry form, or email bethan@dartsfarm.co.uk. The closing date for entries is November 6.

The farm is also holding a port evening with winemaker Jimmy Graham, which takes place on November 9, between 7.30pm and 10.30pm. Places must be pre-booked, and cost �29.

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GARDEN WASTE CHANGE: Topsham gardeners are facing changes in how their waste will be collected.

Exeter City Council is phasing out ‘ad-hoc’ collections of bio bags and, in future, the bags will only be collected from houses which have pre-registered. The revised scheme will also mean the bags are only available to buy from the Civic Centre, and from Oakwood House in Marsh Barton.

The council says the changes will cut its carbon footprint and save money, as rubbish crews will only have to visit registered houses. To register for bag collections households must register by calling (01392) 665010 by March 1 2012. Those who use garden bin collections will not be affected.

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OPERA WOW: The latest show from the Estuary Players is set to wow Topsham.

The Threepenny Opera will be playing at Matthews Hall every night from November 8 to November 11, at 7.30pm. Tickets cost �7.50, and are available from Topsham News, online from www.topshamestuaryplayers.org.uk, or on (01392) 661570.