A pub sweepstake has captured the town’s imagination – inviting people to predict when the shed perched precariously on the cliffs above East Beach will fall down.

Sidmouth Herald: Shed for sale on top of Sidmouth cliffs. Ref shs 14 18TI 0920. Picture: Terry IfeShed for sale on top of Sidmouth cliffs. Ref shs 14 18TI 0920. Picture: Terry Ife (Image: Archant)

Adrian Ricketts, landlord of the Swan Inn in York Street, said there had been a rush of entries with more than 100 people paying a pound a turn to guess the date.

“It’s just a sweep in bad taste,” Adrian said. “We thought it would be a bit of fun and people have loved it.”

The prize for the Summerhouse Sweepstake is capped at £100, so the rest will go to charity.

“Even the owner of the summerhouse is aware of this. I’ve heard from sources that he plans to come in and have a bet himself,” Adrian added.

The Young’s pub is currently undergoing a big refurbishment costing more than £150,000. A gazebo and big screen TV are being installed in the garden. The premises will close for a week from Tuesday May 29.