THERE will be a rare chance to get a bird’s eye view of Okehampton from the top of the parish church in September, when the 15th century tower will be open to visitors for one day only.

People are invited to climb all 115 steep steps to the top of the tower on September 21.

From there, they will be able to see stunning views in all directions, including the old rectory to the north, the town itself to the east and the moor and army camp to the south.

With miles of panoramic countryside on view, this is also a great opportunity for photographers to get good landscape shots.

Members of Okehampton Photographic Group are expected to be the first at the top of the tower to catch bird’s eye views at first light.

The open day is the brainchild of Ruth Cartledge.

A member of the congregation and All Saints Parochial Church Council, Ruth said it would give people in the community an opportunity, for the first time in many years, to climb the tower.

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From the top of the tower, you can see the rugby club, Oaklands House and the tower of the fire station.

‘I haven’t been up for years,’ she said. ‘Earlier in the summer were were talking about it and I said to our churchwarden Chris Just that I hadn’t been up since I was a kid. I then thought there are probably lots of people who haven’t been up and the younger, newer members hadn’t been up, so we decided to have a tower opening.’

Access to the tower – the only bit of the original Medieval church which survives – is up narrow, winding steps and there is a little bit of agility needed to climb out onto the top of the tower. There are lights and a rope to hold on your way up.

Stewards will be taking parties of six up the tower at set times during the day, which will run from 10am to 5pm.

Down in the impressive church itself, which was rebuilt after most of the church burnt down in the 1840s, there will be tea, coffee and cake.

The day also offers the chance to visit the ringing chamber and the bells, halfway up the tower, and there will be a demonstration of raising and lowering a bell during the afternoon.

Ruth added: ‘It is very unusual that we are able to let people go up the tower. It has not been done for a long time. We had a teddy bears’ picnic probably 10 or 15 years ago and quite a few people have moved into Okehampton since then so this is a really good opportunity for them to see right over the town.

‘You can get a really good view over Okehampton spread out before you and you can even see your own house if you are lucky – I’ve seen mine!

‘People will also be able to look at the ringing chamber and belltower, where we have got a fabulous set of six bells and I’m hoping that one of the ringers will be there to show us how the bells are rung up!

‘We are also hoping there will be some exhibits in the church. It burned down in Victorian times and the tower is the only part of the original building which survives. It actually burned down on a Sunday morning, which must have been scary for the vicar at the time when he looked out and saw his church on fire.

‘It was rebuilt but because it is a bit out of the town I think so many people forget it is there and think for some reason that it is exclusive because it is stuck out of the town. We want to show that it is there for everyone. Sadly, it is not open all the time because of problems with petty vandalism, but this will be a chance for people in the town to climb the tower.’

Churchwarden Chris Just added: ‘We are hoping that by September 21, with a few less leaves on the trees, people will be able to see a lot more. As well as spotting your own house it is quite good fun looking out for other landmarks in the town.’