OKEHAMPTON Camp will host its seventh Dartmoor Military Heritage Weekend this weekend — September 10 and 11.

Part of English Heritage's celebration of Britain's cultural history, the weekend will provide an opportunity to find out more about Okehampton Camp and Dartmoor's use by the military over the past 200 years.

Visitors will be able to see the terraced camp sites where the soldiers lived in tents while their horses were stabled nearby and some of the unique buildings built in 1892. 

There will also be the opportunity to solve some interesting mysteries about the camp, including why it has two gas decontamination centres, how Dartmoor was used during the first world war and where the main artillery firing points were.

Royal Marines, soldiers of 17 Port and Maritime Regiment, Joint Helicopter Support Unit and 1 Squadron Royal Air Force Regiment will be on hand to describe their experiences in combat, the contribution they are making in Afghanistan and how Dartmoor's rugged landscape and challenging weather gives them the determination and skills to achieve their difficult tasks in any conditions.

Army and Air Training Corps cadets will be demonstrating living in the field techniques, leadership and management training, and will talk about the fun that they have learning new skills and developing good citizenship.

There will also be a wide range of activities for all ages. Youngsters will be able to challenge themselves with laser battles, the obstacle course, initiative tests and on the climbing walls, all under the watchful eye of military training instructors.

Enthusiasts of the Military Vehicle Trust will have their old vehicles ready for inspection, and will be on hand to explain every intricacy of where, when and how their vehicle was used. There will also be displays of weaponry throughout the ages with experts on hand to describe their use.

Pegasus Bridge, a key objective on D-Day, will be the centre piece of this year's model makers' display. Correct in every detail, the model took almost a year to make.

For those who want to find out more about military heritage on North Dartmoor, there will be a three-hour walk from Okehampton Camp at 2pm each day with a National Park guide.

Lt Col Tony Clark, of Dartmoor Training Area, said: 'The soldiers, sailors and airmen are looking forward to opening Okehampton Battle Camp's gates to say thank you to the people of the South West for their support and the use of Dartmoor's vitally important training ground.'

Entry to Okehampton Camp is free with plenty of free car parking.