Pat Nettleton was born in Birkenhead but moved to Devon many years ago as her father was a naval man. Her hobbies are walking, reading and relaxing over a good meal of local food. Visit Pat's "bit of paradise on Earth" as she introduces the characters and the charms of her hometown, Torcross...

I moved to Torcross some 10 years ago and I well recall leaving my old home in Totnes with the rain pouring down, driving down through the picturesque village of Slapton, down the hill towards Slapton Sands when suddenly the rain stopped, the sun shone and I decided, I'm going to be happy here.

The beautiful bay at Slapton with Torcross in the distance

Two years ago, I left my job at the local authority and set up my business as a freelance public relations consultant working from home.

It's during these last two years that I've got to know more of the local people.

Friendly locals always have time for a chat
There's Mr. Hannaford who leans over the gate of his butcher's shop; he's semi-retired now and it's a lovely sight in the summer to see him sitting in his garden with his straw hat.

His arm is constantly raised because he seems to know everyone who drives by and they all hoot their horns and wave - I tease him by saying he needs an automatic arm.

The sea wall was built to protect the village

He has a fantastic memory for all the faces he sees and remembers holidaymakers who fall in love with the place and come down year after year.

He also gives me some of the produce he grows in his garden - the odd broad bean or lettuce fresh from his garden goes down a treat. Fresh is of course best!

Then there's my local shop where there's always a friendly welcome - like most local shops and post offices, it's where you find out what's going on in the village and if you haven't appeared for a few days, enquiries will go out - "what's happened to so and so?".

Storms have wrecked havoc along this coast
The sea is lord here and many storms have damaged Torcross in the past and so a sea wall was built for protection some years ago.

You can lean across this sea wall and just watch the holiday makers setting up their little domains of windbreaks or chat to some local setting out for the day on his boat. You can also get great fish and chips in the local!

There's nothing more simple and pleasurable in life than to wander down to my local shop, pick up the paper and walk along our beautiful shingle beach, Slapton Sands.

The fury of the waves as Torcross takes another beating

My partner Colin, who works for Brixham Pilots, and I love walking, and there are such beautiful views all along this stretch of coast called Start Bay.

We are also very impressed with the great food available in the area both in the shops and in the local pubs and restaurants.

Continue Pat's tour of Torcross