TEIGNMOUTH has launched its own bid to host one of the country's biggest music festivals.

Teignmouth wants to bring Radio 1's Big Weekend to South Devon, going up against Torbay for the honour.

Teignmouth deputy mayor Cllr Ian Parkes is behind the bid.

He said: "We've proved we can do it — just look at the success of the Muse concerts."

Cllr Parkes decided to act after a Facebook group set up to bring the Big Weekend to Teignmouth grabbed almost 800 members.

Radio 1 has named Bangor in Wales as the host town for this year but Cllr Parkes was so impressed with the online support he has decided to take the campaign to the next level.

He said: "We want to get our interest in there early so I am writing to Jason Carter, the editor of live music and events for Radio 1, to put our name forward.

"The Facebook group has shown that the support is already there.

"It would be amazing for the town."

In January, a campaign to bring the Big Weekend to Torbay was revealed.

Up to 7,000 people have joined a Bay Facebook group and mayor Nick Bye has thrown his weight behind the big push.

Teignmouth and Torbay could go head-to-head to host the event which has seen massive crowds watch the likes of Madonna, The Prodigy, Lily Allen and Kasabian in towns including Maidstone and Swindon.

Cllr Parkes believes the phenomenal success of Muse's Seaside Rendezvous gigs last September will contribute to their bid.

He has received the backing of his town council and he hopes other authorities and organisations will follow suit.

He said: "Our town has proved we can hold big events really well. The Muse concerts were run exceptionally well with all agencies working fantastically together.

"We had 20,000 people come into the town over two nights and there were barely any problems at all. We are quite capable of holding our own for big events.

"I think we can do it again and we can do it with the Big Weekend."