THE inhabitants of the town and hamlets of Okehampton are invited to the 2015 Okehampton Beating of the Bounds on Wednesday, August 19.

The ancient tradition invites members of the community to walk the boundaries of the parish together.

Now seen as a way of strengthening community spirit, the ancient ritual was originally held to pass on knowledge of the parish boundary through generations, maintain the boundary lines and ensure no encroachment from neighbours.

The custom is carried out every five years.

Groups set off from Meldon Village Hall to 'beat' 13 marker stones across eleven miles of moorland during the day.

At the 2010 event, hundreds of people took part, including some on horseback. Official guides lead the walk, accommodating their pace to the convenience of the walkers.

The assembly at Meldon Village Hall starts at 10am and there will be free transport from School Way, Okehampton at 9.30am.

Visitors are welcome to take part in any or all of the day's events.