OKEHAMPTON mayor Cllr the Rev Mike Davies met up with a number of other Devon mayors this week, representing Okehampton at the Proclamation of the Ancient Fair in Barnstaple.

The Barnstaple Fair is one of the oldest in the country, and commences with a proclamation ceremony whereby Barnstaple Town Council meets in the Guildhall, joined by numerous mayoral guests from across the county.

Several toasts are made and honoured with spiced ale which, according to tradition is made from a safeguarded recipe handed down through generations.

The guests and visiting mayors then parade through the town to hear the various readings of the proclamations.

Mayor Davies said: 'It is wonderful to represent Okehampton in so many events that have taken place for hundreds of years. It would be good for Okehampton to see what ancient traditions we could bring back to help bring tourists to the town.'