THE 350th birthday of Britain's most famous puppet is being celebrated in West Devon next week.

The International Family Puppet Festival in Tavistock will include performances, workshops and an exhibition all about Mr Punch.

West Devon Borough Council is supporting the event with a grant of £500.

The festival is part of a national programme of events marking 350 years of Punch and Judy shows.

Performances and workshops will be taking place at The Wharf in Tavistock between Wednesday, July 25 and Saturday, July 28, 2012.

Two world famous puppeteers from Belgium and Italy will be bringing their renowned shows to Tavistock, alongside two English Punch and Judy Professors.

Tavistock Museum is also holding an exhibition celebrating the long history of Mr Punch.

Festival organiser Professor Dan Bishop said: 'There will be a lovely, family atmosphere at the festival.

'People will be able to see a mix of traditional shows along with some international performances.

'I've been doing Punch and Judy shows for 37 years and it is far from a dying art.

'Children love it as much as ever and their parents and grandparents have a great time too.'

The events taking place at The Wharf are:

July 25, 2pm-4pm,  Mr Punch and the Art of Puppetry – a family talk and workshop.

July 26, 2pm-4pm,  Punch and Judy by Professor Dan Bishop plus Harlequinades by Paolo Rech of Italy.

July 26, 7pm-9pm,  Mr Punch's Peripatetic Party Pastysh.

July 28, 2pm-4pm,  Punch and Judy by Professor GoodVibes plus Tchantches by Georges Vetters of Belgium.