THE freak autumn heatwave gave Teignmouth its best weekend of the whole summer, writes John Ware.

Delighted seafront staff described the scorching few days as 'madness', and holidaymakers, day-trippers, traders and residents all had big smiles on their faces.

The beaches and Den were heaving, the car parks choc-a-bloc, the sea and estuary full of boats of all kinds, hundreds of barbecues were fired-up, and cafes, pubs and shops did a roaring trade.

Tracey Higgs, Teignbridge resorts manager, declared: 'My staff on the seafront said it was madness, but in the nicest possible way.

'To have so many people here in October is unheard of and it must have broken all records.

'We had run down staffing levels after the end of the peak summer weeks, and the RNLI lifeguards had finished, but the seafront staff who were on duty coped admirably and we were all so pleased to see people having such fun.

'It was a case of everybody being winners.'

Andy Robinson, chairman of Teignmouth Traders' Association, said: 'This was a totally unexpected bonanza and just goes to prove that Teignmouth can always pull in the crowds if the weather is good.'

Paul Barczok, who runs a pet shop, believed it was definitely better than any of the summer weekends.

'It was hard to believe that it was October – there were people everywhere.

'I have never seen anything like it so late – cars were queuing up to try and find somewhere to park.

'It seemed like all the people from the inland areas headed our way. I just wish we could have more of it.'

Ian Palmer and his family at the Eastcliff Cafe on the seawall were rushed off their feet as young and old snapped up ice creams, cold drinks and teas and coffees.

'The sea looked beautiful – calm and blue, and kiddies had a great time on the beach.

'It was the best days of the summer, and we were still busy on Monday.'

According to the Teignbridge seafront weather statistics, the temperature peaked at 23.3C on Monday, which also enjoyed 8.4 hours of sunshine.

And the staff also point out that the temperature has not dipped below 19C since September 24.