AN historic Grade II* Listed farm in West Devon will be hosting an exciting arts and crafts event this week, to coincide with the English Heritage Open Days programme.

Kilworthy Festival of Arts and Crafts takes place at Kilworthy Farm, Tavistock, between today (Thursday) and Sunday, September 12 and will showcase the work of more than 15 artists and craftsmen and women.

In addition to the art on display and available to buy, there will be music from Tavistock College Jazz Band and folk provided by Mike Bramich and guests. Colin Pearse will be doing readings of his Dartmoor poetry and there will be nature trails for the children and guided tours of one of the most historic farms in the county.

Visitors to the farm will be able to enjoy home made cakes, snacks, light lunches and refreshments throughout the day, while enjoying the fantastic views from the farm.

Sandra Vallance of Kilworthy Farm said: 'We received the largest ever grant from English Heritage to a farm several years ago, to restore and preserve the buildings.

'We do open to the public at certain times of the year, but this year, I decided go one step further, and hold an arts and crafts festival.'

Kilworthy Farm is famous for its range of Victorian farm buildings, built between 1851 and 1853 by the seventh Duke of Bedford. The buildings include the remains of the largest waterwheel in Devon, 30ft in diameter, a granary and machinery barn, three parallel cow houses and an undercroft, which often proves a favourite with visitors to the farm, said Sandra.

These buildings reflect the most advanced thinking in terms of beef production in the mid 19th century. It is the scale, technological innovation and extravagance of the original Kilworthy farmstead which is of national significance, justifying its heightened Listed status and the £345,000 granted by English Heritage to preserve it.

Kilworthy Festival of Arts and Crafts will be open from 10am daily.