WORRIED villagers in Shaldon are concerned the rug could be pulled from under them at the last minute after a mystery bidder emerged in the fight to win ownership of the former ferry boathouse.

The modern building, complete with a slipway, is owned by Teignbridge Council but has been empty since 2010 when the ferry service was put out to tender.

Now the authority has put the waterside property up for sale, although a small annexe will continue to be let to Shaldon Sailing Club on a 25-year lease.

Since April, Shaldon Regatta Committee has been busy gathering offers of financial support in the hope it can buy the boathouse to keep it as a community asset.