Sidmouth C of E Primary School PTFA leaders were this week celebrating a �1,415 haul from a Christmas Fair. Read this and more.

COMPETITION: Sidmouth Library is running a Christmas competition asking children aged from six to 11 to say, in their own words, why they think a book makes a great festive gift. First prize is a subscription to Puffin Post worth �39. Entries must be handed in by Christmas Eve.

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HOTEL HOPE: Owners of a Sidbury hotel hope a change of use of land will allow its guests to enjoy an extra recreational space. It is hoped a field near the Sid Valley Country House Hotel can become part of its grounds. A planning application has been submitted to the district council.

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XMAS JOY: Sidmouth C of E Primary School PTFA leaders were this week celebrating a �1,415 haul from a Christmas Fair staged earlier this month. Organisers of the event thanked parent and staff helpers.

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ARSON WARNING: Firefighters intent on preventing arson attacks have issued advice to business owners in places like Sidmouth and Ottery St Mary about keeping their premises secure during the Christmas period. Shut shops are often a target for criminals set on deliberately starting blazes, Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service chiefs warned this week. “Be aware of other small, deliberately set fires in the locality, which can indicate an increased risk to your premises,” said a fire service spokesperson. “Fires started deliberately can be particularly dangerous because they generally develop much faster and may be intentionally started in escape routes.”

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ROOF RAISING: Sidmouth residents hope to ‘raise the roof’ of their property to facilitate a loft conversion. Owners of Tangnefedd, in Ridgeway Mead, also want to build a single storey rear extension. Plans have been submitted to the district council.