Newton Abbot MP Anne Marie Morris has paid tribute to her predecessor, Richard Younger-Ross, describing him as 'much loved'.

She has also called for the constituency, created only last month, to be renamed but ruffled feathers in Teignmouth by describing it as a 'fishing village'.

Ms Morris made the comments during her maiden speech in the House of Commons last week.

Before talking about deprivation in the area and need to regenerate the economy she commented on the role played by the former Teignbridge MP.

'Mr Richard Younger-Ross was very much loved by his constituents,' she said.

'He was a hard-working member, and he pushed forward a number of issues that I shall also push forward relating to the inappropriate water charges in the south-west and the A380 bypass, which has continually deprived our economy of the growth that it needs.'

Ms Morris also commented on former Totnes MP Anthony Steen, praising his efforts to combat human trafficking, although she said she recognised others' description of him as 'a colourful character'.

Referring to the name of her new constituency Ms Morris told the House: 'If I could give the Boundary Commission some advice, it would be this. Next time, can we change the name?

'Many people have told me that as they do not live in the town of Newton Abbot they feel completely disenfranchised.'

Ms Morris's description of Teignmouth as 'a typical fishing village' failed to find favour with that town's mayor, Cllr Ian Parkes.

'I think the town of Teignmouth has a bit more to offer than a typical fishing village,' he said after the speech. 'Yes, fishing remains vital to the area and the town council does what it can to support the industry but as I said, the port of Teignmouth is about much more than that.

'If Anne Marie would like to come and visit I'd be delighted to show her around and let her see what else we have.'