Beach huts return to seaside town

Chairman of the local council David Weekes opened the new huts

An icon of the British coast is making a return to a Devon seaside town after a 20-year absence.

Fifteen beach huts have been officially unveiled by Teignbridge Council on the promenade at Dawlish Warren.

Eleven are being offered on three-year leases, with three for weekly or daily hire. One hut will be used for storage.

It is hoped that the locally-built brightly coloured huts, with views over Lyme Bay, will add to the resort's appeal to tourists.

The town's previous huts on the site - which were privately owned - were removed about 20 years ago after falling into disrepair.

Councillor David Corney-Walker, executive member for Economic Development and Tourism, said: "The humble beach hut is an iconic part of the British seaside tradition.

"These beach huts are the icing on the Dawlish Warren cake, and it's fantastic to see them open in time for the peak summer season."

Anyone who wants to register their interest in a hut is being asked to contact the council.