A new Budleigh fishmongers is proving itself to be a popular catch for the town’s High Street.

Wet Plaice opened at the beginning of February at the former site of G and K Sanders, where there has been a fishmongers for more than 70 years.

The new owners are operating the store along the lines of its sister shop in Exmouth, and manager Owen Corcoran said the first month’s trading had gone better than expected.

He said: “It’s been very good. We have had really good support from the community.

“It’s been very positive from all the customers, and they seem to be enjoying what we do.

“From what people have said, they were worried about the shop becoming something else, so they are pleased they have still got a local fishmongers.

“We’ve got a much wider selection than was here before, and all our handmade products.”

Owen and fellow fishmonger Martyn Freeman are trained chefs, and so are able to give their customers detailed advice on cooking.

Owen added: “We provide the full service – skinned, filleted, packaged how they want.”

Wet Plaice will also be one of the exhibitors at the Budleigh Salterton Food and Drink Festival, which is being held this weekend.