AN unforgettable performance of traditional Maasai music and dance is coming to Okehampton.

The Osiligi Troupe of Maasai Warriors will be performing their music and spectacular jumping in a story which tells of Maasai life in song and movement and is fully narrated.

The group has had huge success in Devon and Cornwall at venues including the Eden Project, and are returning to the two counties in a three-month tour from September to November.

The troupe, who are mostly illiterate and have had no school or music education, consist of six men, who are all herdsmen, and two women.

They have performed in schools and churches across the county and will be holding their mesmerising show on Friday, September 18 at 7.30pm in the All Saints Parish Church.

One of the performers, Sarge, can do 41 consecutive jumps at over 3ft 6ins high and this year will be going for the world record.

Member of the church Ann Pantrey said opportunities to see something so different were few and far between and she was anticipating something 'quite spectacular'.

'It looks so exciting — they are bringing their shields and spears,' she said. 'It gives us the opportunity to see a different culture and we are really looking forward to it.'

The performances help the troupe to raise money for their families in their village of Kesamis, some 30 miles from Nairobi, where life is tough.

They graze their cattle and goats in areas of drought, fresh water is scarce, education is basic and infant mortality is high.

All Saints Parish Church can accommodate in excess of 200 people but tickets are going fast. They cost £10 for adults, £8 for seniors and £5 for children and can be bought from Jennings Antiques on Fore Street.

For more information phone 01837 658730 during the day, or 01837 659297 during the evening.