The warning flags and notices have been taken down

Teignmouth's main and back beaches, Shaldon Beach and The Ness all had to close on Friday afternoon after sewage entered the Teign estuary.

A mains pipe taking sewage from Teignmouth to Newton Abbot burst at the Bishopsteignton Pumping Station, but South West Water contractors mended the leak early Saturday.

However, the beaches remained closed all day Saturday until water quality tests showed the sea met European bathing standards.

Environment Agency officials took further samples during Saturday and are now satisfied the water is safe.

We are taking our warning flags and notices down and inviting everybody to go back down to the beaches and go back into the water Michelle Kenny, Teignbridge District Council

Teignbridge District Council has now taken down the red flags which were put up to warn swimmers away from the beaches.

Council spokeswoman Michelle Kenny said it was great news.

"We have heard back with regards to the tests carried out yesterday on the water quality.

"We are really pleased all the water tests have met the European bathing water quality standards, so it is safe to go back into the water.

"We are taking our warning flags and notices down and inviting everybody to go back down to the beaches and go back into the water."

The closure of the beaches to swimmers was bad news for local traders, who were hoping to make the most of the first sunny weekend since the holiday period began.