More volunteers needed to join Seaton’s welcome team.

Seaton’s band of friendly volunteers have been out in force to welcome visitors to the resort as the summer kicks off.

Now they are in need of more helping hands.

Gaynor Sedgewick, who put together the scheme, said: “We have a really strong band of 18 volunteers and we would definitely like more to come and help us. People of all ages can become volunteers.”

She added: “If we had more volunteers, we could cover more areas in the town.”

The volunteers can often be spotted sporting their blue tabards and are on hand to give directions and advice to visitors.

They have already seen a steady increase in tourists to the resort over the last week.

Gaynor added: “We have certainly seen an increase in visitors in the last week since the schools broke up.”

Many of the volunteers said they have often been asked ‘where’s the sea?’ by coach loads of visitors.

“The whole purpose is to give people a good experience of Seaton with a lovely welcome and also encourage footfall into the town,” says Gaynor.

The scheme has been running since April and will continue throughout the summer.

Over that time volunteers have flagged up concerns about the lack of signage, which is now being addressed by both Seaton Town Council and East Devon District Council.

So far the volunteers have received positive feedback from visitors, local businesses and even coach drivers.

Gaynor told the Midweek Herald that she and the volunteers would like to work with local businesses and cafes in the resort to increase footfall even further in the town - encouraging more businesses to open on weekends and bank holidays to prevent visitors being turned away after finding establishments closed.

Those interested in volunteering can call Gaynor on 01297 625671 for more information.