ALL Saints Parish Church celebrates the 750th anniversary of its official consecration on July 31 with a series of events throughout the month.

The church, on the edge of Okehampton, is on the same spot as many successive churches before it, dating back to Anglo-Saxon times.

All Saints was officially consecrated in 1621 by Bishop Bronscombe of Exeter. Only the 80ft granite ashlar tower remains of the medieval church, as it was mostly destroyed by fire in 1842. The church was rebuilt to the medieval plan, and the remaining tower was incorporated into the rebuild.

The events throughout July are designed to invite and involve the people who have had their lives touched by the church in some way.

The first of these events takes place this weekend on Sunday July 3. At 11am, the church is inviting everyone who has ever been baptised at the church, whether this year or many years ago, to a special family service.

There will be an opportunity to renew baptism promises and the registers will be available for viewing. Those attending are asked by the church to bring along any photos of baptisms at the church they might have.

Rector of Okehampton the Rev Stephen Cook said: 'Tens of thousands of Okehampton people must have been baptised here over the centuries, including a good proportion of those living here today.

'Baptism is the church's way of identifying its members, of saying that this person is a member of the family, so we are inviting all the family to come to a family service.

'Very appropriately, we actually have two children who are going to be baptised in the service. Come and see if you can find your name in the register and celebrate your membership of the worldwide church.'

On Saturday July 9, All Saints are inviting anyone who has ever been married at the church to a celebration from 7.30pm. There will be cake, bubbly and an opportunity to see the registers, followed by a guided tour of the church. The evening will end with a short service of dedication.

The Friends of All Saints are going medieval on Saturday July 16 with a celebration at Northwood Farm near Abbeyford Woods.

There will be medieval games, tasty food and an opportunity for everyone to wear their finest medieval clothes. Everyone is welcome to join in this event and support the organisation that helps care for the church building.

On Sunday July 17, shantymen 'Mariners Away' will perform at the church to help with a rousing service that recognises the church's long-standing support for Mission to Seafarers.

The history of the church will be in the spotlight on Tuesday July 19 from 7.30pm, with a number of local experts on hand to talk to those in attendance about All Saints' long and rich past.

Sunday July 24 will be a day of remembrance, with those whose loved ones had their funeral at All Saints or are buried in the churchyard invited to a special remembrance service at 6.30pm.

The month's events conclude with a special service to mark the actual date of the church's consecration on July 31 at 11am. The Rev Paul Fitzpatrick, who is an advisor to the Archbishop of Wales and trained as a curate at All Saints, will be the preacher.

Keep your eyes peeled, as more information about each event will be provided in the Times in the coming weeks.