Exmouth's Rusty Pole was mentioned on the BBC show Have I Got News For You on Friday night (April 28).

The topical news show on BBC One discussed the removal of Exmouth's Rusty Pole during the show segment 'Strength-o-Meter of News' round.

The pole gained national attention after a column in the Journal from Exmouth Museum columnist Mike Menhennitt. 

Series 64, episode three of the show featured comedian Richard Ayoade as guest host, with panellists political commentator Marina Purkiss and comedian Phil Wang joining team captains Paul Merton and Ian Hislop as they delve into the news of the week.

The pole was erected on The Maer in 1909 and became popular with residents and visitors alike. A Rusty Pole Society was formed on Facebook by people who regularly walked past the pole, and the group attracted more than 200 followers.

A spokesman for South West Water was approached about why the pole was removed. 

They told the Journal: "South West Water agreed to remove the pole after concerns were raised at a council meeting over the structural integrity of the pole and risk to public safety."

You can watch the full episode of Have I Got News For You on BBC iPlayer. The section about the Rusty Pole is at 17 minutes in.