A GROUP of geography students from the University of Plymouth visited Okehampton last week to learn more about the town for their studies.

The first year students travelled to the town on January 30 to meet mayor Cllr the Rev Mike Davies, deputy mayor Cllr Paul Vachon, county and town Cllr Christine Marsh and the chairman of North Dartmoor Search and Rescue Team Andrew Aiano in the town council chamber for presentations on the human and physical geography of the town and surrounding areas.

They covered a range of topics, from the town's centuries of history, its greatest benefactor Sydney Simmons, a civilian's view of the town as it is today, and the regeneration processes currently working to provide a fruitful economic future for Okehampton following difficult years of factory closures and the nationwide recession.

The trip was organised by Dr Michael Ireland, an associate lecturer in the school of geography, earth and environmental sciences at the university. Dr Ireland lives in Okehampton, and is a town councillor.

He said: 'Many of these students are from big cities, like London, and all of them have never been to Okehampton before.

'Coming to a town like ours and getting to look around will be something of a first for them, and a very worthwhile learning experience.'

The work undertaken throughout the day will contribute to group presentations and a photographic essay.

Students walked around the town with one of the four speakers, learning more about its history and geography.

They visited Simmons Park and Okehampton Castle, taking photographs of the town for group presentations to be given later in February.