IT HAS been described as the single most important publication in history, and a local group is trying to trace the oldest King James Bible still in use in West Devon.

The Devon Christadelphians are appealing for local people to dig out their copy of the King James Bible and bring it along to this year's Chagford Show.

Recently, a 400-year-old copy of the Bible was unearthed at a church in Wiltshire, so anything is possible, says Christadelphian Paul Maplethrope.

Paul added: 'This year is the 400th anniversary of the King James Bible, and that is such a wonderful thing to celebrate. Sadly many people have not really celebrated the occasion, not even with postage stamps, which seem to celebrate every other big event.

'Whilst there are some very good modern translations of the Bible, the 1611 edition has influenced our whole culture and society for the past 400 years.

'We decided we would try and find the oldest Bible in the area, and publicise this wonderful text to local people.'

Paul believes it likely that a copy could exist in West Devon which dates as far back as the mid eighteenth century, judging by the group's previous experience.

Anybody with a copy of the King James Bible, no matter the age, is urged to bring the book to the Chagford Show on Thursday August 18.