It was once the epicentre of the fight against the Catholic monarch James II, earning a reputation as “the most rebellious town in Devon” after its men volunteered in droves to follow the Duke of Monmouth.

Now the winds of dissent are once more blowing through Colyton, but this time over the delicate matter of underwear.

Where once the struggle was over the question of religion and who could lay rightful claim to the throne, today’s uprising turns on a woman’s right to hang her smalls out in public.

It began when Claire Mountjoy, a mother of three, received an email from local traders instructing her not to hang her washing out to dry for fear it would lower the tone of the neighbourhood.

In response hundreds of fellow residents have taken to displaying bras, nighties, pants and other items of laundry outside their homes in a show of solidarity with Ms Mountjoy.

An investigation has been launched after two mature trees were drilled into and poisoned in an attack believed to have been committed by a homeowner in order to improve their sea view.

Residents in the picturesque West Cliff area of Bournemouth, Dorset, were furious after they discovered the sophisticated attempt to kill off the pair of 30ft Scots pines.

They believe the trees have been deliberately poisoned so they will have to be felled, giving a better view of Poole Bay from luxury flats overlooking the cliff and leading to a potential increase in property values.

Council officials are now investigating the criminal damage, which has involved someone making numerous drill holes deep into the trunks of the two trees to pour in poisonous chemicals.