THE sun was shining, the sea was blue and everybody was having a good old time.

Teignmouth and Shaldon were at their best for a BBC1 holiday programme, watched by millions on Monday, and will be viewed by even more millions with repeats and screenings around the world.

It was publicity that money just could not buy – almost like a 45-minute plug for the two resorts, that will have provided a massive boost to the tourist industry.

'The scenes were glorious, that I almost wanted to go there on holiday myself,' joked one local.<