THE people of Okehampton celebrated the Coronation Day of King George VI (our present Queen's father) in 1937 with a huge street party in the centre of the town (pictured right).

This fascinating picture was sent to the Times by Okehampton historians Mike and Hilary Wreford.

Mike said: 'It was day of great celebration as can be seen from the decorated and crowded main street (Fore Street), which certainly could not happen with today's constant traffic through the town centre.

'The popular mayor of Okehampton, Councillor Sam Rich, presided over  festivities on May 12 and 13, 1937, with borough councillors and local dignitaries assuming chairmanship of various committees to make the event such a huge success.    Public teas started at 4pm on May 12 and it was the mayoress, Norah Rich, who took responsibility for this large task.'