THERE will be a lot of crushing, screening and stocking going on when Meldon Quarry opens its doors to the public on October 20.

The quarry, which is more than 100 years old, is holding an open day for local residents to show a typical working day in a fully operational quarry plus exhibitions, competitions and refreshments.

The 280-acre site was first worked in 1897 following the discovery of the hard rock referred to as Dolerite and was under the ownership of British Rail until 1995, when it was purchased by Aggregate Industries.

Dartmoor Railway leases the 15 miles of branch line which was included in the purchase from British Rail and operates the Dartmoor Pony service to Okehampton Station.

Meldon is currently producing railway ballast and all the machinery, massive vehicles and processes will be operational on the day.

Guided tours by minibus will start at 9.30am and continue throughout the day until approximately 2.30pm.

Anyone travelling by train can catch the Dartmoor Pony from Okehampton Station on the hour starting at 11am but there is also ample parking space near the main offices.