A lost teddy bear is helping out East Devon District Council keep its beaches safe.

Found on Seaton beach back on April 10 by an East Devon District Council beach officer, Ted's owner has sadly not yet got in touch with the council to bring him home.

But until he can safely return home, he has been helping out the council patrol and carry out checks on the beaches they look after.

And the Beach Officer has been taking photos of him so the council can print Ted a holiday album to take home.

Posting on Twitter, East Devon District Council on April 10 asked: "Has anyone's child lost this little chap during essential exercise at Seaton beach? He's safe and helping our beach officer with his patrol, but we're sure he'd like to go home."

However, sadly no-one came forward, and as such, Ted has joined the Beach Officer in helping out with his daily work.

On Thursday last week, among his duties saw him help with life rings checks on the beach at Exmouth, while on Saturday, he helped patrol Dark Lane, in Budleigh, 'one of the many beautiful bits of the district encountered while working to keep everyone safe'.

East Devon District Council's beaches are still open for people to use when on their permitted exercise, as are the council's nature reserves, while the majority of its parks and gardens have now reopened following their initial closure.

But as it would not be possible to maintain appropriate social distancing and so as not to increase the risk of viral transmission, the following sites remain closed

Manor Gardens – Exmouth

• Gunfield Gardens – Exmouth
• Queens Drive Space – Exmouth
• The Glen – Honiton
• Connaught Gardens – Sidmouth
• Blackmore Gardens – Sidmouth
• Seafield Gardens – Seaton
• All play areas
• Outdoor gym equipment
• All skate parks