BLACKSMITHS from all over the country will be at Sticklepath's Finch Foundry on Saturday, November 24 to practice their art and celebrate their patron saint on Saint Clement's Day.

The day is a rare opportunity to gain an insight into this highly skilled craft and see some of the country's top craftsmen in competition. They will be producing test pieces that are judged at the end of the day.

Some will be demonstrating the unique water-powered trip hammers in the Foundry, to help recreate the atmosphere of a Victorian working forge. There will also be the spectacular 'firing of the anvil' with gunpowder.

Finch Foundry will once again be holding The Great Snail Race. Competing blacksmiths have to forge a Sticklepath snail in the shortest possible time to be declared the winner.   

Catherine Maddern, visitor services manager, said: 'St Clement's Day is the main highlight in our calendar at Finch Foundry. It's a fantastic opportunity to see 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, work being interspersed with anvil firing and entertainment from Morris dancers. Entry to the foundry and Christmas shop is free.