October has brought sunshine, high temperatures, tourists by the score – and early Christmas cards.

Amanda Bloomer, of Kingsbridge Information Centre, said the sudden heatwave had brought 'a very surreal weekend' for her staff.

'Our Christmas cards went on sale on Saturday and we spent the weekend selling Christmas cards and booking accommodation,' said Amanda.

'By the end of the weekend our Christmas cards looked like a bomb had hit them – and there was hardly a bed to be found in the area.

'It was all very surreal.'

She said the weekend's highs of around 28C in some areas had been a 'fantastic boost' to the summer season.

Many people took advantage of the weather and travelled to the South Hams for one or two nights while others, who were already staying in the area, booked accommodation to extend their stay.

Amanda said: 'This season has been a bit mixed with some very busy spells and other times when it was really quiet. Usually we are booked out in the run up to the Hope Cove weekend, bank holiday weekend, but this year it was quite quiet although the accommodation was filled by the end of the week.

'The trend this year has definitely been people booking late and looking for deals.

'There have been more people staying in the country rather than going abroad.

'The feedback has been very positive with people saying that they will come back. At least some good has come out of the economic troubles.

'I am not pretending that the next few seasons will be easy. It will be hard, but you have to be pragmatic.

'If we stick together and do what we do best in our little heaven in Devon I think we will weather it.'

The manager of Salcombe Information Centre, Sharon Mattocks, said: 'The fantastic weather this weekend has brought many visitors to Salcombe, with some