THE super sizzling weather made it one of the best Teignmouth Easters for decades.

For once the good weather forecasts lived up to expectations and it was smiles and sunburn all round as thousands flocked to the beaches and seafront.

Car parks were packed, every inch of the sands seemed to be crammed with sunbathers, especially when the tide was high, and most traders heard the welcome sound of more cash going into ringing tills.

There was plenty going on for the locals, day trippers and visitors who poured in, including the St George Festival.

It was also a hectic time for the mayor, Cllr Ian Parkes, who was out and about at various events, despite his wife Eileen, the mayoress, being taken ill.

'It was a fantastic long weekend – the good weather makes such a difference and everybody seemed very happy,' said Cllr Parkes.

'Our shops, restaurants and pubs had a great early boost after a difficult winter. I would especially like to thank all the wonderful volunteers who organised so many events – what would we do without them?

'Eileen has asked me to send her heartfelt thanks for the kind messages of support during her illness – she is taking a back seat at the moment, but is feeling a lot better.'

Iain Palmer, organiser of the St George Festival, added that 'the feel good factor' definitely came to Teignmouth.

'The festival was a huge success. We had the Plymouth Medieval Society giving displays on the Den. Re-enactment of combat displays was very exhausting for them in the heat and it must have been like roasting in a tin, especially for the black knight.

'Teignmouth Traders' Association was very pleased with the support, and would like to thank everybody who assisted us. The medieval society loved the venue and were so popular we have booked them again for next year.'

The town was decorated with flags, bunting and flowers, and street entertainers, including musicians and morris dancers, performed around the town centre and promenade.

Newton Abbot MP Anne Marie Morris was one of the visitors, and events were also supported by local councillors.

The best dressed window competition, judged by the Rev Graham Stones, was won by the Hub in the Triangle.

Simon Barnes, a Teignbridge Council director, described the long weekend in Teignmouth as 'fantastic'.

'The temperature was in the 70s and it was great to see people enjoying themselves, either paddling, swimming, boating, playing games or just relaxing.

'There couldn't have been a better start to the season and I would like to thank all our resort staff for their hard work over the holiday. Let's hope it continues.'

Local cafe proprietor Ian Palmer, who organised the St George Festival, has been officially congratulated by the town council.

Cllr Sylvia Russell told a council meeting on Tuesday that it had been 'a tremendous effort and hugely successful'.

She added: 'The battle reenactment was spectacular and there was entertainment for everybody around the town and seafront. Mr Palmer deserves our thanks for his efforts. He arranged it all at the last minute, and virtually single handed.'

Members agreed, and a letter of congratulations will be sent to him.