THIS year's Okehampton civic parade is fast approaching with the event taking place on Sunday (June 28.)

This year, it has been arranged for the end of June, as it fits more closely with the start of the new mayoral term and in general might anticipate a more favourable weather scene than a date in the autumn.

The day starts with the procession forming up outside Okehampton Town Hall at 10am, with the Okehampton Excelsior Silver Band in the lead. The mayor, Cllr Paul Vachon, town clerk and mace bearers lead the town council element, with invited mayors and consorts from the borough and neighbouring towns following.

Town clerk Paul Snell said: 'An important part of any parade is the support given by younger people through participation of the Army Cadet Force, Air Training Corps and Scouting Movement, not forgetting the hours of commitment and preparation shown by the adults leading those groups. The mayor's invitation goes out to many groups within the town and community and it is hoped there will again be a good response this year.

'Altogether, this is one of those traditional celebratory events forming a continuing link with Okehampton's rich past as an historic borough and the mayor is keen to encourage the townsfolk to be a part of this fine tradition and support the procession on its parade route.'

A rolling road closure will be in operation on the day and the Civic Service will take place at 10.30am in Fairplace Church.