THE Prime Minister was spotted on Branscombe beach on Friday afternoon, pictured left.

David Cameron, accompanied by a group including Hugo Swire, the Conservative MP for East Devon, stopped for tea at The Sea Shanty restaurant and shop during the informal half-hour visit.

He was introduced to staff and shown pictures from when the MSC Napoli was grounded on the beach in 2007.

“He was very interested to hear about the Napoli,” said Sea Shanty proprietor Keith Lewin. “He had a couple of bodyguards with him and children. It was really exciting to meet him, it’s not often you get the Prime Minister popping in!”

Carol Barker, 40, from Essex and on holiday with her partner Paul Webb, 46, happened to be on the beach at the time.

Carol said: “We were at the water’s edge skimming stones, and saw someone who looked vaguely familiar, then we realised who it was.”

Metropolitan police officer Paul had a chat to the PM while Carol took photos.

She said: “He was very approachable, especially considering he was there on a private break.

“Paul introduced himself as from the Met, and Mr Cameron joked about how he’d probably recognise some of his colleagues stood around trying to blend in.”