BLACKSMITHS from across Britain will descend on Sticklepath in November to showcase their craft.

Finch Foundry will play host to Saint Clement's Day celebrations on Saturday November 19. The traditional celebrations include the spectacular 'firing of the anvil', using gunpowder.

The day is a rare opportunity to gain an insight into this highly skilled craft and see some of the country's top blacksmiths in competition.

They will be producing test pieces that are judged at the end of the day.

Finch Foundry is a traditional 19th century working forge powered by three water wheels driving a huge tilt hammer and grindstone. It originally produced sickles, scythes, and shovels for Dartmoor farmers and miners.

The unique water-powered trip hammers in the foundry will be used in demonstrations to recreate the atmosphere of a Victorian working forge.

For the first time organisers are holding the 'Great Snail Race'. The competition will see competing blacksmiths attempting to forge a Sticklepath snail in the shortest time possible.

Roger Boney, custodian at Finch Foundry said: 'St Clement's Day is the main highlight in our calendar at Finch Foundry. It's a fantastic opportunity to see and meet blacksmiths demonstrating their craft in such a unique historical setting and to cheer on the snail making.'

The day starts at 10.30am with the forge breakfast and continues until 4.30pm, with work being interspersed with anvil firing and entertainment from morris dancers.

Entry to the foundry and Christmas shop is free.