TEIGNMOUTH is set to reap millions of pounds worth of free publicity from the film, The Mercy, which tells the story of the ill-fated voyage of lone sailor Donald Crowhurst.

It is being released tomorrow and shown in cinemas around the world.

In the first few minutes of the movie I spotted at least four mentions of Teignmouth, but then gave up counting. Throughout, the resort is continually plugged, with plenty of shots of the trimaran Teignmouth Electron, and flattering shots of the town at its best.

Large chunks were filmed in Teignmouth in the summer of 2015, with plenty of sunshine and blue seas and skies. It could have been the Mediterranean. 

One publicity said: ‘The tourism value for this sort of exposure is incalculable – many, many millions of pounds worth. You just could not buy it. 

READ THE FULL STORY AND SEE OUR 4-PAGE SPECIAL IN TOMORROW, FEBRUARY 9, PAPER.