GEORGE Copp will be the guest speaker at next week's meeting of the Okehampton Local History Society.

George will speak about the quarry at Peters Marland, where ball clay has been extracted for over 300 years.

A mineral of national and international importance because of its rarity, it is found in England in Devon and Dorest only.

George was works manager at the quarry and has many photographs and documents of the clayworks and railway.

Last month members of the history society met for their annual lunch at the Tom Cobley Tavern.

Next month, Dr Alan Parkinson will be speaking on the history of North Tawton School from 1864 to the present day.

Next week's meeting takes place on Wednesday, February 12 at 7.30pm at the Ockment Centre. Meetings of the society are held on the second Wednesday of each month at the Ockment Centre. New members are always welcome and anyone interested should contact the secretary, Jane Lehni 01837 840087.

Non-members may attend meetings at a charge of £2 per person including coffee and biscuits.