Visitors to Teignmouth’s Back Beach can now take a seat to enjoy the stunning views and sunsets thanks to the donation of some community benches.

Local MP Martin Wrigley formally opened the benches with a ribbon cutting ceremony on the Sunday before Christmas (December 21), meaning visitors could take advantage of the new seating over the festive period.

The benches were generously purchased by Anne Townsend, who owns a property in nearby Queen Street, which backs on to the Back Beach.

Anne, who is currently living and working as a lecturer at the University of British Columbia in Canada, was unable to attend the official opening, but sent a message to explain that the benches had been donated to celebrate the beauty and community of the Back Beach.

‘Our beautiful Back Beach is a special place; full of character, where people meet up, have fun, relax and just take it all in,’ she said. ‘Shaped and loved by generations of local people, we know how lucky we are to have this shared community space,’ she continued. ‘These benches celebrate that — a public space rooted in our past, enjoyed today, and protected for future generations. I’m very grateful to Councillor David Cox and our MP, Martin Wrigley. for their time and support on this. And the helpers who made this possible. It feels right that we’re here today, on the winter solstice — a moment of reflection, and of looking ahead. And to borrow some words from Shakespeare: ‘I like this place, and could willingly waste my time in it’ — which feels just right for our Back Beach.’

Martin Wrigley MP said: ‘Teignmouth Back Beach is indeed a special place, I think it is wonderful that Anne has donated to the community.’