ORGANISERS of the powerboat racing at Teignmouth have promised to come back next year 'bigger and better'.

The response to the first Thundercat racing event was so positive that they are already planning to return to the Teignmouth coast for the first May bank holiday weekend next year.

Up to 2,000 spectators watched 12 powerboats race off the main beach.

Spokesman for Southampton-based Thundercats Fiona Pascoe said: 'It was wonderful and we are going to be coming back next year.

'We need to check the tides but we are looking at the first May bank holiday.

'Everyone in Teignmouth is so friendly, we all had a great time.'

She explained that next year, they hoped to close off a 300m section of the beach so the racers will be closer to the shore.

Because of restrictions to ensure the safety of bathers, a 200m exclusion zone meant the racing was only able to take place beyond that distance.

The resort was chosen as one of the venues for the extreme watersport of Thundercat racing which sees 4m inflatables racing with crews of two. The craft reach speeds of up to 60mph and often become airborne with a G-force of up to six. Established in South Africa 20 years ago, the sport now operates in more than 12 countries and is billed as the 'ultimate spectator sport'. This first event in Teignmouth saw competitiors battle it out for the first and second heats of the Thundercat national championship. Organisers hope next year there will be more 'thrills and spills' with the boats nearer the beach.