BEACHGOERS who are looking for a cheap day out need go no further than Sidmouth, new figures reveal. The town has been named as one of Britain s best value beaches, with a family spending �11.20 per person on a day trip- �2.24 cheaper than average. Mike P

BEACHGOERS who are looking for a cheap day out need go no further than Sidmouth, new figures reveal.

The town has been named as one of Britain's best value beaches, with a family spending �11.20 per person on a day trip- �2.24 cheaper than average.

Mike Parrish, vice-chairman of the Sidmouth Chamber of Commerce, said: "It is great news that traditional seaside and beach resorts are still popular and good value.

"Sidmouth is not your bargain-bucket place but I think as long as people say they are getting value for money it attracts more visitors.

"Sidmouth has always offered good value for money and I don't think that has changed but people are more conscious of it. Traders haven't gone out of their way to drop prices or make large cuts-they offer people what they want at a fair and reasonable price."

The new research, compiled by thetrainline.com, shows that Sidmouth charges below the average for deckchair hire, parking and even a stick of rock.

But on average the cost of a Mr Whippy ice cream is 28p more in the town and a traditional meal of fish and chips is a pricy �4.95- 14p higher than average.

However in comparison to resorts such as Scarborough and Whitby which cost �16.95 and �17.03 respectively for a day out, Sidmouth is an attractive option for many.

Mr Parrish added: "I think Sidmouth has a good range of quality independent stores and long may it continue.

"People like coming to Sidmouth because it offers something different to big high-streets."

Ian Cole, manager of Sidmouth Tourist Information Centre, welcomed the findings of the survey.

He said: "I think Sidmouth is very welcoming and it is value for money because the quality is very high."

Mr Cole said visitor numbers have been high so far this year but fluctuated from day-to-day depending on the weather.

He believes this is due to more people staying at home and overseas visitors travelling to the UK to take advantage of the weak pound.

The best value beach, according to the survey, is Minehead with the average family spending only �9.10 per person per day.