LONDON, June 13 (Xinhua) -- When young mom Claire Mountjoy hung out her washing to dry in the sunshine, she was amazed by the reaction of a neighbor.

The neighbor sent a note to Mountjoy, saying she was driving away tourists from their picturesque Devon town and was advised to dry her clothes inside or in a dryer.

The neighbor wrote: "I am writing 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."

The letter writer, added: "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."

What Mountjoy never imagined was the reaction of other people in Colyton, Devon.

They were so incensed with the letter handed to Mountjoy that they decided to hang out their own washing, from underwear to shorts and shirts and socks, to send a message to the neighbor, local media reported Wednesday.

One supportive resident even hoisted a bra to the top of a flagpole to show hanging out washing was a natural thing to do.

Social media sites went crazy with messages of support, and tourists have been heading to the town to view the impromptu exhibition of washing lines crammed with laundry. They are snapping photos showing fancy dress costumes hanging across the streets.

There is even talk of holding an annual "Colyton Underwear Airing Rebellion Day" to celebrate the town's unexpected rise to fame.

Mountjoy, a mom of three, who works for Devon Wildlife Trust, told local media: "It shows the fabulous community spirit Colyton has. Colyton is known 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."