THREE unknown celebrities are set to put Newquay on the map after agreeing to purchase luxurious apartments in the town.

It is believed the celebs are due to complete deals for prestigious flats on Bredon Court, on Tower Road, Ocean 1 on Pentire Avenue, and Rocklands on Cliff Road.

The news comes as town estate agents Bradleys confirmed they are bucking the economic downturn after selling £7.25 million worth of property in the last six weeks.

This is against the run of tough times elsewhere in Newquay, which has seen the credit crunch bite businesses and homeowners.

It appears the rich and famous are shrugging off these concerns, however, as they snap up Newquay property.

Stuart Shield, manager of Bradleys, said it would be unfair to name the celebrities before deals are completed, but said Newquay was the "place to be".

"The sheer quality of developments on offer is so high, that's why people and celebrities are attracted here," he said.

"Rocklands, for example, is a development nearing completion and has been built to the highest standards and to a very high specification.

"Its views across the sea are undoubtedly some of the finest in Newquay and will never be spoiled."

In recent years Newquay's increasing fame and 'cool' factor has made it a stopping off point for a host of celebrities.

Mr Shield said the town has a lot to offer the rich and famous.

"We are finding people want to come here because of the close proximity to the airport and the volume and quality of apartments and properties available; it is some of the best you will find anywhere," he said.

"We have also been marketing our properties differently to any other agents. We were in London the other week, stood outside the business districts with palm trees.

"We are thinking outside the box and that is why we are still selling property."

Although Mr Shield was unable to name the three celebrities who are set to take hold of keys to their new pads in the coming weeks, news of famous people moving to town is sure to ignite local interest.

While any number of icons could be in line for a luxury sea-view apartment, the Newquay Guardian – by way of speculation – has identified three possible stars who may be on their way to the South West.

Michael Jackson's family recently set up home in North Devon to escape the media glare. His brother Tito claimed that Michael also likes the area as "no one bothers him".

Perhaps the stunning coastline of Newquay will provide the inspiration for a Jackson revival?

Newquay and Cornwall in general, is also no stranger to so-called 'celebrity chefs'. It has been rumoured previously that Gordon Ramsay was looking to open a restaurant in Newquay, where he would be close to his competitors Rick Stein and Jamie Oliver.

An apartment may provide the perfect base for the foul-mouthed TV star of Hell's Kitchen to scout his latest venture.

And finally, what town would be complete without a football megastar? David Beckham winged in to Newquay last year for a pint in the Red Lion on a stopover from the Isles of Scilly.

And with a fortune in the bank, a £1 million-plus apartment in Newquay would be nothing more than pocket change to the former Man Utd and Real Madrid star.