A BOOK by famous song and story collector Reverend Sabine Baring-Gould is the inspiration behind the Wren Band's latest touring show.

With stories of werewolves and hounds prevalent in the 19th Century, story collector Baring-Gould gathered up tales for The Book of Werewolves.

Some of the stories from the book are the inspiration for a show being taken on a tour of Devon by the Wren Band, who have also penned some new songs and tunes based on well-known legends.

The Wren Band comprises the professional song-writers, musicians and singers of the Okehampton-based charity, Wren Music.

They first toured with the concert 'When the Moon is Full' at venues across England in 2013 as part of the charity's 30th anniversary celebrations.

The five concerts this month feature a number of changes, including new arrangements and the addition of some extra songs. The tour takes in Winkleigh, Appledore, Ipplepen, Sidmouth and Exeter.

The band has also seen a personnel change, with new member Jon Dyer taking part in his first tour since becoming a permanent member of Wren Music.

'Jon came to us as a work placement two years ago through Falmouth Uni,' said Marilyn Tucker from Wren Music.

'After that he joined as a trainee for 12 months and since September, he's been a full member of our core staff. He is a fabulous musician and a great asset to Wren Music.'

Marilyn said the new tour was perfect timing: 'Last year, we toured in the middle of the summer. It's going to be lovely to do it in November because the songs are really in keeping with this time of the year; they conjure up images of eerie, foggy winter nights.'

Among the songs is Lady Howard's Black Dog, based on a story collected by Baring-Gould which has been adapted by Wren.

The legend tells of how the ghost of Lady Howard is taken from Tavistock to Okehampton each night in a coach made from the bones of her four husbands. Ahead of the coach runs a huge black hound. It is believed by some that this story might have been the inspiration for Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes adventure The Hound of the Baskervilles.

'We can't wait to take these wonderful stories and songs to places across Devon, as the only venue we managed to visit in the county last year was Exeter Northcott,' said Marilyn.

'Devon has such a wonderful heritage when it comes to legendary tales and we're really looking forward to introducing them to new audiences.'

All tickets are £12 or £10 for under-18s. The Winkleigh performance takes place on Saturday, November 15 at Winkleigh Town Hall. For details visit the website at http://www.wrenmusic.co.uk/wrenband/">www.wrenmusic.co.uk/wrenband/