Budleigh Salterton's Gala Week celebrations refused to be thwarted by the wet weather - instead attracting records crowds to a number of events.

Budleigh Salterton's Gala Week celebrations refused to be thwarted by the wet weather - instead attracting records crowds to a number of events.

Scores turned out to mark the start of the fun-filled week by tucking into the Big Budleigh breakfast and brunch, in aid of Cancer Research UK.

Ignoring the showers, The Green was filled with people eager to watch the crowning of the town's royal family, gala queen Alicia Hillyard, princess Erin Watts and prince, Ben Shiel.

BBC Devon radio presenter Pippa Quelch was given the honours of opening the Budleigh Salterton Lions Club gala celebrations.

Gala week organiser Lion Geoff Paver said many of the events in the programme had proved crowd-pullers.

He said: "Despite the weather last Saturday it did not stop people turning out to support Gala Week.

"Both the big breakfast and the cream teas on Saturday had record attendances.

"Crowds attended the dog show and Budleigh's Got Talent was a complete sell out.

"Gala Week is still going well. It was unfortunate the weather changed on Tuesday for the bowls club event."

Budleigh's Got Talent organiser Kim Holmes said the event proved so successful, they were forced to turn people away.

She said the show raised �3,401 for the Children's Hospice South West.

Exeter singer Katherine Costigan won the talent competition, and was awarded �50 and a recording session.

Laurie Ward, from Budleigh, came in second singing and playing the guitar, and third place was awarded to singer Samantha Ottaway, from Exeter.

Mrs Holmes said: "The atmosphere was electric. People have said they have never known a show like it. The acts were fantastic.