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A bizarre anonymous email blasting a mum for drying her washing outside her home has sparked a hilarious rebellion in an East Devon town.

Colyton mum Claire Mountjoy, an Education Officer for Devon Wildlife Trust, was stunned when she received the letter on Wednesday - which implies visitors would be upset by the sight of her family's laundry.

Getting their knickers in a right-old twist, the author, claiming speak 'on behalf of local businesses and the neighbourhood', suggests using a tumble dryer or hanging her washing in her house instead.

Claire is a firm believer that the spirit of the Monmouth Rebellion still runs strong in the veins of the townsfolk, as they have made it clear that the mystery emailer doesn't speak for them at all.

The Laundry Revolution has begun, with homes and shops across the town now proudly sport lines of pants and socks in defiance.

Claire's personal favourite is a bra at the very top of a flagpole.

"It shows the fabulous community spirit Colyton has," Claire said, speaking with Devon Live,

"Colyton is know as the most rebellious town in Devon. That kind of streak is still in its people.

"It is quite strange that someone should be so upset about it. They suggest that visitors would be put off but actually our laundry revolution is actually bringing in more visitors."

While remaining anonymous, the author of the letter is thought to be responsible for a '"This is not acceptable" sign placed next to 'pant-bunting' created by Claire's children on Thursday.

The anonymous letter Dear Claire and Chris, I am writing on behalf of local businesses and your neighbourhood to ask you with kindness not to put your washing out at the front of your house. We all try hard to keep our lovely town thriving and looking good. The visitors walk up Dolphin Street from the tram and your terrace is a prime location. While we understand you have a small house with no outside room for your boys, would you please consider using a tumble dryer or hanging the washing indoors. This letter is not written with malice but we ask you to please help us all keep Colyton a town we can all be proud of. Sincere best wishes

Paul Arnott said he put up his washing line after reading a message on the Heart of Colyton Facebook group.

He wrote on Facebook: "This display of laundry is in support of a lovely family in Dolphin Street,"

"Yesterday they received the dreaded anonymous letter “Meant in kindness” asking them not to dry their washing at the front of their house for fear of upsetting tourists.

"As Bart Simpson used to say, “Eat my shorts”."

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Scroll up for a video and gallery of examples of Colyton's Laundry Revolution

Alison Stenning said: "We should have an annual Colyton Hanging Day when everyone hangs their washing in front of their house.’

Alix Renshaw suggested the June 7 each year should become ‘Colyton’s Underwear Airing Rebellion Day’

Claire has also has been quick to point out the environmental benefit of ditching energy-sapping tumble dryers and using this week's glorious sunshine instead.

And, as it happens, the tumble-dryer she does own recently broke down.