MAY DAY is a date not to be missed in Chagford, as the town will be decked out in all its finery in honour of the Tinners' Fair.

Chagford's long history as a stannary town stretches back, it is believed, to the 12th century.

Edward 1 granted stannary town status to Chagford, which allowed the town to trade in tin. Tin was important to Chagford — up until the 18th century it was brought into the town to be traded from the surrounding areas of Dartmoor.

This long association with tin was celebrated by the parish council and town in 2008 when the first Tinners' Fair was held. The event was a great success and it was decided to hold a fair every two years.

This year, as the fair actually falls on May Day, May 1, the theme is floral, and as in the 2008 fair, the town will be decked out with banners.

In the week running up to the event there will be a 'Tinners Trail' with local residents creating attractive displays with a floral  theme located around the town, for locals and visitors alike to enjoy.

During the fair, which starts at 10.30am and runs until 4pm, there will also be Maypole dancing with local school children, community, charity and craft stalls selling a wide range of goods, exhibitions in the church on local history, tinworkers' research, art and crafts, and a bumper raffle.

The streets will come alive with Morris dancing and street entertainment, there will be food and refreshments, including a hog roast and organ recitals will be given in the parish church.