The beach has attracted interest from about 60 potential buyers

Sale agents now believe the 19 sq ft strip of shingle beach near the yacht club in Salcombe could fetch more than its guide price of �5-10,000.

Parties interested in buying a little piece of the exclusive sailing resort have until 19 May to submit an offer.

Andrew Wood, of agents Edward Symmons, said: "It is my impression it will go for more than the �10,000 guide price."

He added: "There has been a lot of interest in it from people with neighbouring properties, as well as from people from much further afield who want to own a bit of Salcombe."

He said some would-be purchasers had been so desperate to acquire the private beach, situated at Bakeswell Steps in Cliff Road, that they would have written �10,000 cheques there and then.

South Hams District Council is selling the plot after identifying it as surplus to requirements.