A SEA of brilliant bluebells greeted visitors to Okehampton Castle last Sunday.

Free entry to the castle was offered for the traditional viewing of the famed Okehampton bluebells. A new guidebook to the castle ? written by local author Alan Endacott ? was also launched on the day.

The bluebells grow abundantly in the woodland glade that surrounds the site of the castle and bloom each May, emitting a delicate scent. Bluebell Sunday provides visitors with the opportunity to come to Okehampton Castle and perhaps seeing their usual surroundings in a whole new light.

Alan Endacott, English Heritage area manager, said: ?Bluebell Sunday is a wonderful day for an outing. It is when the site is really looking its best. It has become something of a local tradition with visitors enjoying a picnic in the grounds too.?

Throwleigh-born Alan is the author of the new guidebook, and has taken a keen personal interest in writing it. He hopes it will allow people to enjoy their visits to the castle even more and have a colourful reminder to show their relatives and friends afterwards. The guidebook includes a tour and history of the site.

He had written the guide over the last 18 months. He said he had focused more on writing about everyday life inside the castle and ensuring the guidebook was ?more user-friendly?.

Mr Endacott?s interest in Okehampton Castle went back many years. ?I used to help out on digs at the castle when I was a boy,? he said.

Extensive parts of the medieval guest lodgings, great hall, kitchens and chapel at the castle still remain, and, with the help of the new guidebook, tell a fascinating story of medieval castle development and rebuilding, as well as of castle life.

Before 1070 the site was a simple motte, but this was added to and became comparatively luxurious accommodation for hunting parties by the 14th century. At this time the Courtenay family entertained their privileged guests at the castle with hunting and feasting.

There is also an audio tour that brings this period of the castle?s history to life. Visitors can hear ?Lady Margaret? inviting guests to listen to the sounds and watch the preparations for the feasting that will take place.