THE LENGTH and breadth of the country became one big party over the Bank Holiday weekend to celebrate the Queen's 50 years on the throne — and the Okehampton area was no exception.

Phenomenal, spectacular and hugely patriotic were some of the words used to describe events across villages and towns which went off without a hitch after months of preparation.

And as the music played and streets glowed with red, white and blue, beacons and fireworks, celebrations continued well into the night, echoing the sound and spectacle of the main events going on in the capital.

From Friday through to Monday night, North Tawton became a hive of activity with one of the highlights being a fantasy jubilee played out by the town's young thespians, involving a nine-foot high robot, a wizard on an electric hoist and giant puppets.

Secretary of North Tawton Young ANTS Janine Warre said the comments were incredible with many saying it was the best event they had ever put on. The evening was finished off with a lantern procession and singing of the National Anthem.

'There were about 500 people packed into the Square — you couldn't move,' she said. 'The atmosphere was wonderful and there was a real spirit of community.

'I think this whole weekend has brought communities together and feelings of patriotism were running very high.'

Almost 500 people gathered on Hatherleigh Moor to watch a bonfire, and a well-organised floral dance through the town streets involving the schoolchildren, was also enjoyed by the crowds.

Mayor of Hatherleigh Denis Bater said all the events were very well supported: 'We did Hatherleigh proud and it was a superb weekend,' he said. The self-confessed Royalist said he had managed to get a glimpse of the celebrations in London on the TV and nothing could match this country for putting on a great show.

'I think these celebrations have shown just how important the Monarchy is to Britain and how unique our Royal Family is,' he said. 'Just take the Queen's procession to St Paul's in the gold coach — where else would you see that?

'We have to hold on to what makes this country unique. People moan about the cost of the Royal Family but they bring a lot of wealth into this country by all the visitors they attract.'

At Sourton, a spectacular firework display drew the crowds and was one of many similar events, some as far away as Plymouth, visible from the high ground.

Okehampton historian Mike Wreford said what he really enjoyed about the celebrations was the genuine delight of the people who turned out to take part, both in London and on a local level.

'I think it showed what Britain was all about and that the country should not be regionalised,' he said. 'It was a tremendous tribute to the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh and showed what they have done for this country and the popularity they generate.'

Children, mums and dads and grandparents were all catered for in Okehampton with entertainment all day in Simmons Park and a tea dance by Okehampton Lions attracting more than 200 pensioners.

Lion John Mansell said it had been a terrific afternoon and he thanked everyone who had made it happen, including musician Derek Hutchings, who went down so well nobody wanted to go home.

'It was really nostalgic with lots of stories and memories being retold of the Coronation, the Royal Family and old Okehampton,' he said. 'Jeffe Cunliffe and John Hawkins brought along many old photos which got everybody reminiscing.'

Ringing in the celebrations at All Saints Parish Church in Okehampton was 90-year-old Sid Westlake, who was taking part in his sixth royal bellringing event.

He learned the art in 1926 at Jacobstowe and Exbourne and rang to commemorate the Silver Jubilee and death of King George V, the Coronations of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth and her Silver Jubilee.

Meanwhile, chairman of the Devon and Cornwall Business Council Tim Jones, who lives at Belstone, was one of the 2,500 guests of the Lord Chancellor at the thanksgiving service in St Paul's Cathedral on Tuesday.

He said it was 'awesomely impressive' and a real privilege to be a part of: 'The spectacle and content of it was amazing and it was very non-political,' he said. 'The emphasis was on communities coming together and was all embracing and ecumenical.'

Mr Jones said he would not forget the pomp and circumstance of the occasion.

'It was an absolutely tingling event inside the cathedral ,' he said. 'It was quite splendid and an awesome experience.'

l The jubilee in pictures — see page14,15 and 42 to 45.