As 2024 approaches ever nearer, I have taken a look back on the best stories to feature in the Midweek Herald in 2023. 

I have looked back on the stories this year that I am most proud of covering for the paper and website. Let me take you through some of the bigger stories.

On January 3, 1st Colyton Brownies raised nearly £500 for Children in Need by taking part in a sponsored 'cleanup-athon' around the village. £200 was the original target for the group - but they raised £472, more than 200 per cent over their target.

In February, residents of Seaton voiced their concerns over plans to build 130 new homes on Harepath Road. Residents object to proposed housing development in Seaton

On March 13, Antons Butchers in Colyton picked up his award at The British Pie Awards. 

Anton's Butchers in Colyton won best in class for their Steak and Kidney pie.

Midweek Herald:

The British Pie Awards, now in its 15th year, celebrates the nation’s most delicious pies at a weekend in Molton Mewbury.

In April, new owners took over the Sidmouth Arms in Upottery, Martin Phillips took over the freehold on April 22, after turning the pub from chain-owned to family run.

Midweek Herald: May was the local elections, I went along to Westpoint Arena in Exeter to see the vote turnout. We live-blogged from the scene the results for the constituency areas of East Devon. It was an interesting result with Liberal Democrats winning East Devon over from the Tories.

In June, a planning application was submitted to turn the former HSBC bank at 86 Honiton High Street into a Domino's Pizza parlour.

In July, I headed out to Honiton town centre to cover the traditional Hot Pennies event.

It was hot itself that day and the high street was packed with people of all ages to participate in the 16th-century event.

Once town crier Dave Retter had lowered the gloved pole to mark the start of the event, it was a mad rush to locations around the centre, so local businesses could throw their pennies at the crowd.

I was injured in the line of duty, however; as I was approaching the Holt, the last attempt to rush in for the pennies, one hit me on the head (I'm still certain the town crier was aiming for me!).

Midweek Herald: 2023 Honiton Hot Pennies

In August, Total Transformations Axminster owner Terri Bowell got in touch with the Herald to say that due to demand she will be moving to a bigger and better store in Axminster.

In September, I reported on a heartwarming story that during the summer holidays, MKM Building Supplies in Honiton fitted a new kitchen at the nursery at Littletown Primary Academy for free. 

On October 25, news broke that a large fire had broken out at the Seaton Heights Hotel. Fire crews are currently investigating the fire which ruined most of the building.

It is still being treated as arson.

Midweek Herald: The fire at Seaton Heights.

In November, Storm Ciaran arrived to East Devon, bringing flooding and chaos.

Seaton was worst hit by flooding on the seafront and the Hideaway, which is still closed now as owners rush to repair the cafe.

And finally, onto December, we can't end without a feel-good Christmas story, Seaton announced its events for its Christmas lights switch-on Seaton celebrating Christmas this year with lots of events