WE thought we’d have a delve back through the picture archives to see when some of history's politico grandees graced the area with their presence over the past 45 years.

Turning up for the habitual photo call is part-and-parcel of the job - although as our longstanding resident photojournalist Steve Pope points out, things were less orchestrated back then!

Labour shadow home secretary Gerald Kaufman MP is put on the spot by Teignmouth residents Len and Frances Wright when visiting the town in November 1986
Labour shadow home secretary Gerald Kaufman MP is put on the spot by Teignmouth residents Len and Frances Wright when visiting the town in November 1986 (MDA Archive)

Shirley Williams MP speaking at Teignmouth’s Carlton Theatre in April 1983.
Shirley Williams MP speaking at Teignmouth’s Carlton Theatre in April 1983. (MDA Archive)

Teignbridge MP Patrick Nicholls and Alan “Howling Laud” Hope of the Official Monster Raving Loony Party at the count of the 1987 General Election in Teignbridge
Teignbridge MP Patrick Nicholls and Alan “Howling Laud” Hope of the Official Monster Raving Loony Party at the count of the 1987 General Election in Teignbridge (MDA Archive)