TEIGNMOUTH'S main beach has passed a water quality test – but only just.

It has been put in the 'mandatory' category in the latest Good Beach Guide, which means it meets the lowest minimum quality and is one above 'fail'.

Shaldon, however, has shot up from a 'fail' rating last year, to 'recommended', which ranks the water quality as excellent. Ness Cove around the corner retains its 'recommended' category.

Teignmouth is still in danger of failing tough new European regulations which would mean the compulsory erection of signs warning against bathing from the 1916 season.