THE John Taylor Festival, celebrating the achievements of the man who conceived and designed Tavistock Canal, is now well underway in Tavistock.

Events are being held at various locations including the Wharf, the Bedford Hotel, Tavistock Library, and the Trout and Tipple Public House.

The festival will embrace the spirit of John Taylor's achievements, and will include a children's art competition and poetry writing workshop, exhibition of local artwork, heritage walks and talks, creative writing heritage weekend, a business fair and local food and drink events.

The Taylor Trail Art Exhibition — Dartmoor Heritage by Michael Sanders and friends is currently running until October 31 at the Wharf Coffee Shop.

If you want to learn about mining heritage, join a heritage walk organised by Landscape Travel on October 31.

The walk will start at Tavistock Library at 10am for a 10.30am departure.

A teatime talk on 'Ticks on Dartmoor' with tea and cakes is being held on November 30 at the Wharf by Dr Keith Ryan from 2pm to 4.30pm.

And this weekend, thirsty history buffs can visit the Trout and Tipple pub at Tavistock for a heritage beer and pie festival.