Teignmouth's docks operation has produced another small profit in the last financial year, the Harbour Commission's annual report has revealed.

Its good environmental and safety record continues and investment is under way to safeguard the future of the port, commission chairman Jeremy Grammer said.

More accuate dredging of the navigation channel is needed to ensure safe passage for newer vessels with draughts up to 5.5 metres.

Mr Grammer's report on the docks – owned by Associated British Ports – stresses that trade is stable and the port was 'making its mark on both a regional and national scale and is now recognised as one of the UK's leading smaller ports'.

Tonnages were holding up well even though there was a small reduction from 395,000 tonnes in 2013 to 381 tonnes this year.

A downturn in clay exports but an increase in animal feed and fertiliser imports was responsible. New cargoes were being sourced.

Leisure pursuits in the harbour were steady.