THE Lynmouth Disaster has just commorated its 60th Anniversary, and has received considerable media coverage.  

Recalling the floods, which attracted national and indeed international news coverage at the time, Okehampton historians Mike and Hilary Wreford sent these pictures in to the Times.

Mike, who with Hilary, is a member of Okehampton and District Local History Society, said: 'The heavy rains on that fateful day fell on Dartmoor, and in Okehampton,  the East and West Ockment river levels rose quickly, and the emergency services were soon in action, although there was no loss of life.

'This photograph comes from our Okehampton collection number three, showing the scene at the gas works (above) and there is a description of the rise of the East Ockement River.

'The other two photographs (left) show  the rise of the West Ockement and the considerable flooding of the West Bridge area, with the Liberal Club, G U Fulford and other property all suffering damage. The Okehampton Castle Laundry in Castle Road was badly hit, and Castle Road itself was flooded in its entire length.

'The West Bridge area had always been a problem with heavy rain, and plans were already in hand to alleviate this problem and also to improve the A30 road into Cornwall.

'Over the next few years, this major work was carried out and new bridge constructed.

'Other changes have taken place with the G U Fulford building being demolished and the old St John's Church being replaced by the Church Hall.'