The barriers will be raised and the guard turned out to welcome visitors to Okehampton Battle Camp for this year's Dartmoor Military Heritage Weekend this month.

Dartmoor Military Heritage will invite Army, Navy and Air Force cadets to blow out 150 candles on a massive cake to help celebrate its 150th birthday.

The cadets will demonstrate the skill and leadership they learn and Devon Army Cadet Force's Corps of Drums will give displays.

The cadets will challenge youngsters to try out the climbing wall, the laser rifle range, the obstacle course and compete against others on the laser battle field.

Old military vehicles will climb the hill to the camp as a reminder of the many soldiers who have trained on the moor.

More than 30 military heritage vehicle owners and drivers will be explaining where and when the trucks were used.

Weapons and equipment will also be on display, tracing the history of combat over the last 200 years.

Part of English Heritage's celebration of our cultural heritage, the weekend gives the opportunity to find out more about Okehampton Camp's use over the past 165 years and explore some of its unique buildings and the terraced tented camp sites.

Royal Marines and soldiers of the Rifles, who have recently returned from Afghanistan, will be on hand to describe their experiences, the contribution made to developing the nation and how Dartmoor has given them the edge over their opponents.

While the youngsters enjoy the many activities, Dartmoor Training Area staff are looking forward to explaining why Dartmoor is vital to the military and how the troops care for the national park.

For those who want to find out more about military relics on north Dartmoor, Paul Rendell will lead a three-hour gentle walk from the camp at 2pm each day.

The Dartmoor Military Heritage Weekend will take place on September 11 and 12.

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

More information is available at dartmoor-ranges.co.uk