AS we enter the fourth month of the year, the sound of birds chirping, lambs bleating, small chuckles and the occasional sigh can be heard all around during the first day of April.  

April 1 is renowned around the world for its ability to make people giggle, roll their eyes or gasp with outrage as people, brands, and public figures all get involved with April Fool’s. Not to be left out, residents across Devon and Cornwall got stuck in, joining in on the fun.  

A surf shop in Bude had everyone rubbing their eyes following a double-take, as they reported a baby humpback whale had been washed into Bude Sea Pool.

Zuma Jay, a surf shop based in the town, said: “Just to confirm the news we've heard this morning about a baby humpback whale having been washed into the sea pool last night is true! It appears to have been caught up in the big tides and powerful swell that we've been having! 

“Beachlife Marine Rescue Services and Marine Strandings Network have both been notified and are on the scene and report that the whale is in healthy condition. There is a small, fun 2ft wave down there this morning but please be mindful of the teams operating around the sea pool. The best of the surf will be on the lower tide later so hopefully they'll have it all sorted by then!” 

For those not keeping an eye out for unusual wildlife, residents could also keep an eye out for a band of red-striped runners, making their way across the county.  

Camelford’s local running group ‘up and running’, put on their best red and white stripes and played a big game of ‘Where’s Wally?’ as they made their way around multiple towns, completing a run and asking residents to try and find Wally. 

Matt Allen, one of the groups founders reflected on the event, saying: “Camelford Up and Running's Where's Wally April Fool’s run did not disappoint! 

“Sixteen Wallys met at The Bandstand in town, and after a few photos and toots from passers-by we headed for the Conservative Club for our first stop.”  

After kickstarting their event, the group made their way around the town before heading to Tintagel, receiving plenty of support for passing residents who managed to spot the elusive group.  

However, it wasn’t just residents who got stuck in with the April Fool’s action, local MP Scott Mann even threw his hat in the ring, announcing the government’s decision to ‘outlaw’ Devon.  

He said: “This new legislation will ensure a full ban on Devon and will settle the age-old question of jam first or second, which clearly, Devon always got wrong. It is a comprehensive package of measures and it will mean that Cornwall wins as usual and is of course, the better county.” 

A spokesperson added: “There are of course questions about what the ban will mean for Devonians, who will now be required to apply for settled status in the UK. As for the county itself, it is expected that a Chinese consortium is looking to purchase Devon so they can dismantle it and ship it to Beijing where it will become a theme park. The £7-billion deal to buy Devon is expected to be finalised in the coming weeks.”  

With residents, MP’s and local shops getting involved, many brands also couldn’t resist poking some fun at their customers.  

Pasty makers, Proper Cornish, took the opportunity to announce their latest creation, a concoction which combined two of the most loved dishes in the South West, a ‘fish and chips pasty’. 

In the announcement, the company explained: “There's no need to choose between the two iconic meals of a Cornish holiday with our new pasty flavour, coming soon to the Proper Cornish range.  

“Our Fish and Chips Pasty contains delicious locally caught white fish, crispy thick cut chips made with Cornish potatoes and, of course, mushy peas for the ultimate 'chippy tea' flavour, all encased in our tasty unique pastry. 

“It's a taste sensation!” 

Giving residents a good chuckle, some even asked the most important questions ‘does it come with a slice of lemon?’ and ‘does it come wrapped in newspaper?’ 

What was your favourite April Fools’ joke?