BEATING the bounds of Okehampton Hamlets on August 16 will be a much bigger event than usual as it is the focus for millennium celebrations.

The Okehampton Hamlets Millennium event will see a large granite stone from Merrivale Quarry inscribed and sited in the centre of Meldon near the village hall which is the traditional starting point for beating of the bounds.

A five-yearly event, the 14-mile trek which defines the original boundaries of Okehampton Hamlets can be undertaken by foot or horseback anytime after 10am.

At Newbridge a good selection of food and drink awaits those taking part and there will be various sports going on near Okehampton Camp and a ram roast in the evening.

A bus will leave from School Way in Okehampton to Meldon at 9.30am and noon to Newbridge.

Children of the parish, aged 16 and under, will all receive a free commemorative mug to mark the millennium.

Okehampton Hamlets Parish Council hopes for sunshine and a lot of people to turn out.