Mascots meet their match at sporting Devon park

Some of Devon's best-loved characters came together last week (05 July) at Ladram Bay Holiday Park to celebrate the start of the high-summer holiday season.

The mascots, representing some of the county's leading visitor attractions, went head-to-head in a lighthearted golf match cheered on by holidaymakers.

It all took place on the five-star Budleigh Salterton park's Jurassic-themed adventure golf course, set against a spectacular backdrop of coastal scenery.

Ladram Bay's Mascot Golf Championship has now become something of a tradition in the run-up to the start of school holidays across the UK.

The wacky contest, said the park, is a great curtain-raiser to a summer of family fun, and helps to showcase many of Devon's top attractions.

The mascots included friendly faces from popular destinations such as Crealy's Great Adventure Park, the World of Country Life, and the Hawkridge Birds of Prey Centre.

Also taking to the greens were cuddly chums from the Sidmouth Devon Donkey Sanctuary and Exeter City Football Club – as well as Ladram Bay's own Pickles the Parrot and Ozzie the Otter.

After a close competition split into two groups, the winner was declared as Buddy Bear from Crealy's Great Adventure Park for the second year in succession.

Runner up in the goofy-golf play-off was 'Appy Angus from the World of Countrylife.

Ladram Bay has been a favourite of Devon holidaymakers for over 70 years, and provides holiday homes to rent and buy, plus glamping pods and touring pitches.

All guests have use of the park's extensive facilities, including a recently opened indoor climbing wall as well as a swimming pool complex, and the adventure golf course.

There's also a restaurant and take-away, a beach-side shack where watersports equipment can be hired, and first-class day and evening entertainment.

Ladram Bay has a five-star accolade from VisitEngland, and once again this year received a top gold award from botanist David Bellamy for its environment care.

There is more information about the park at www.ladrambay.co.uk