A YOUNG Whitstable woman has spent more than £70,000 to secure her dreams of living by the sea. The woman was the successful bidder for a beach hut at Seasalter that was on the market for £55,000.

Several bids were received and independent agency Change Estates, who marketed the property, said the woman was delighted with her purchase. The new owner has asked to remain anonymous.

Manager Shelagh Curtis said: "When I called her with the news she was in Whitstable High Street and she shrieked really loudly so everyone stared at her. She is absolutely over the moon. She was the person who really, really wanted the chalet more than anyone else and I think she will hang on to it for as long a she can.

"She is really looking forward to spending time there and did not just want it because it's a trendy thing to have."

Her bid was for £71,000 and was within £10,000 of the other bids. Mrs Curtis said: "There are a lot of disappointed people out there so if anyone else has a property like this we would love to hear from them.

"The owners are exceptionally pleased that it has gone to someone who will love it as much as they did and are delighted with the price."

As well as the hut, which is fully furnished with running water and electricity, the new owner can enjoy a private section of beach with fishing and mooring rights and parking.

It was owned by the same family for 50 years before they decided to sell.