ROBERT Hesketh has a strong interest in local history and will be visiting Bow and District Historical Society in the village hall on Monday, March 24 at 7.15pm for a 7.30pm start.

All are welcome. The event is free to members and £4 on the night for visitors. Tea or coffee is included.

Mr Hesketh is a freelance writer and photographer, and his talk will be about smuggling in Devon. He has over 70 West Country titles.

Devon has two long and indented coastlines. With a history of fishing and sailing, it meant the Devon coasts were ideal for landing smuggled goods.

All levels of society were involved, from commoners to those of high social status.

Anything to cheat the government out of their taxes!