RESIDENTS are fuming over a spoof tour guide to Topsham.

Visitors who have followed the unofficial guide to Topsham have been told of strange local sects and that the landmark King's Beam on the town's Quayside was used for hangings.

The guide, the work of Topsham resident Ray Girvan, has been put out on the internet. But while some might find it funny, others have been quick to point out that it is misleading.

One critic, who asked not to be named: "The whole thing is extremely distasteful. It is not in the spirit of Topsham people at all — we are not like that.

"On Saturday there was a couple visiting Topsham complete with a Secret Topsham quiz they had downloaded from the internet.

"The couple were upset when they realised they had been tricked — disgusted, I think, was the expression used."

Topsham's Alderman Mary Evans said: "I know Ray, he's just winding people up. It is all so outlandish as to be laughable."

Mr Girvan said: "I am sorry if people have taken offence. It certainly wasn't meant to cause offence, but I suppose you can get so immersed in something that you forget that some people will just not get the joke.

"It is really just taking a friendly poke by someone who loves the town at some of the more formal town guides you see."

Among the spoof guide's claims are:

Those who had absconded from their ships or engendered an affray in the local brothels were suspended here to be flogged, and the beam was also used to hang those condemned to death for more serious offences.

For Ray's guide, visit www.raygirvan.co.uk, For the official version visit www.topsham.org.