INPATIENT hospital beds in Ashburton and Bovey Tracey may have been saved after NHS chiefs announced this week that closure plans had been put on ice.

On Wednesday, the trust unexpectedly announced a 'pause' in the process.

It had been due to hold a meeting on March 21 to discuss the fate of the two community hospitals but said that had been cancelled.

No reasons were given for the delay and an interview with chief executive Mandy Seymour ruled out unless we gave advance warning of the questions.