CROWDS flocked into Tavistock last weekend, as the town staged 'Tavistock 1943' — a series of events marking the 70th anniversary of the arrival of the US 29th Infantry Division during the second world war.

The Meadows was the base for displays and re-enactments by the World War II Re-Enactment South West Group, which included firing events using blank ammunition and bayonet training.

A plaque marking the anniversary was placed by the war memorial in the Guildhall Car Park during a remembrance ceremony on the Sunday. The re-enactment group members paraded to the town centre from the Meadows for the service.

In the pannier market the 'dig for victory' garden festival was held and there were further garden and craft displays in the town hall.

Tavistock 1943 was a collaboration between Tavistock Town Council, the World War II Re-Enactment South West Group and Tavistock Lions Club, which ran a beer and cider festival in the Meadows.

Town clerk Carl Hearn said: 'The feedback has been very positive.

'There was a lot of interest in the era, and the passion and attention to detail from the re-enactment group was incredible.

'We are really very pleased with the way it went.'

Steve Grummitt, spokesman for Tavistock Lions Club, said: 'We virtually sold out of 35 barrels of beer and cider — it was a long weekend and hard work but we were more than happy with it all.

'We were so lucky with the weather and the everyone seemed to enjoy it — it was a great, collaborative event.'