EACH year Heritage Open Days celebrate historic sites across the country.

This year Newton St Cyres’ Grade I listed church will be one of 46,000 taking part nationally.

At Newton St Cyres there will be free guided tours on Wednesday, September 13 and Saturday, September 16 (between 10am and 12 noon).

Like many of our wonderful local churches, the Church of St Cyr and St Julitta, seen by all who pass through the village between Crediton and Exeter, dates back some 800 years.

Among the monuments and decorations of earlier centuries are rare monuments to James II and to the Northcote and Quicke families dating back to 1549.

What will visitors see?

Tours start at 10am and each tour is 45 minutes.  People can join any tour, switch and swap to meet their interests:

Tours:

• Monuments and Families

• Heraldry and History

• Fabric (interior and exterior)

• Tower Climb and Bellringing Chamber

• Handbell-Ringing Workshop and Performance (Sandford Ringers).

Good footwear and a good level of fitness will be required by those who wish to climb the 79 steps up the church tower.

Don't miss this chance to celebrate local history and heritage by joining in September.

Light refreshments will be available.

You can also book your visit by calling or texting Christine on 07773 038689.