A PROPOSED sea shanty festival for Teignmouth has met with ­enthusiastic support from local councillors.

Kevin Booker from the local Back Beach Boyz outlined the idea to members, and reckoned it would bring big economic benefits to the town.

He spoke about the many festival attended by his group all over the area,  including the Falmouth Sea Shanty Festival, one of the biggest maritime events in Europe which this year pulled in an estimated 50,000 visitors.

While a Teignmouth event would not be on the same scale, it would attract significant numbers.

He envisaged a similar response at Teignmouth, and said although plans were being drawn up for next summer, they needed the support and advice of the town council, and the involvement of local sponsors to make it viable.

Councillors were very keen, and the mayor, Cllr Paul Burgess, said some new events for Teignmouth would be warmly welcomed. It was agreed to refer the proposal to the events committee to report back later in the year.