Funding to protect the railway line from crumbling cliffs between Holcombe and Teignmouth has been secured, according to Dawlish's MP Anne Marie Morris.

'Phase five' from Parson's Tunnel to Teignmouth had fallen foul of a 10-year moratorium on new funding, but will now be "fully funded".

Exactly what phase five will be is not yet certain. Previous plans put forward in 2020, which included moving the tracks away from the cliffs and building new sea defences, had proved controversial.

The Conservative MP for Newton Abbot, who had previously raised the issue in Parliament, said: "Having repeatedly made the case to ministers to finish the job of protecting our vital coastal railway, I'm delighted to have confirmation that phase five of the Rail Resilience Programme to protect the cliffs and line between Parsons Tunnel and Teignmouth will be fully funded."

Morris did not comment on phase four between Dawlish and Parson's Tunnel, which had reportedly risked losing part of its agreed backing. It involves putting up permanent stainless steel netting on the cliffs to protect the railway from falling debris.