YOUNG and old from South Tawton, as well as visitors from as far afield as Canada and New Zealand were at the traditional beating of the bounds on Monday.
The tradition was delayed for some months because of the foot and mouth crisis that hit the county earlier in the year but the event still drew approximately 300 eager walkers.
Organised effectively by parish councillors and volunteers the day was to become one of the most memorable for all who participated.
Elders of the parish duly noted the boundary posts as each one was found and advised all present to note their position for future reference.
On one such marker the youngest person present, Maisie Mouncel, was bounced upon the granite stone to instill in even the young one that this land was their inheritance and its freedoms and traditions must be preserved.
At Taw Marsh a feast awaited the walkers with roast ram, pasties and refreshments.
With feasting finished the games began. Children entertained themselves and onlookers with races before the elders took up the rope for a tug of war which culminated with teams straining on either side of the river until one was pulled into the water.