All eyes, including the television cameras, were on Holsworthy last Wednesday as the town celebrated its great day, St Peter's Fair Day as it has done for some 800 years.

It began with the proclamation of the opening of the fair by the town crier accompanied by members of the Court Leet on the site of the old tree of Holsworthy at the entrance to Fry Street. This was followed by the bread weighing ceremony and breakfast in the Memorial Hall and children's breakfast in Filter Through.

The St Peter's Fair breakfast is held in the Memorial Hall every morning of fair day. The event is organised by newly elected portreeve John Addicott and his wife, Judith, in aid of Clic Sargent. They are helped by Holsworthy Explorer Scouts and volunteers from the community.

John said: "We have been running the breakfasts for 15 years with Holsworthy Scouts and help from the Holsworthy ladies."

Leader of Holsworthy Explorer Scouts, Carla Whitaker, said the breakfast was a success.

"It's been really good, with a really good turnout and lots of donations. It's always very well supported. Thank you to all the helpers in the kitchen, Holsworthy Explorer Scouts and their friends and family."

Throughout the morning the Stannary Jazz Men entertained shoppers and traders at the pannier market in the town square.

Paul Traxton, market manager, said St Peter's Fair Day provided children and families an opportunity to visit the market.

"It is a lovely thing to see more families and children out and about today. We love it and we really want to see the people.

"There is a reasonable amount on offer and it is often better priced than the shops. We are always here come rain or shine and it's a friendly little spot."

"We are pleased to be here, it's a very pleasant day and it's a pleasant place to work."

As the clock on the tower of St Peter and St Paul Church struck noon Holsworthy's 173rd Pretty Maid, 13-year-old Lizzy Flaherty, of Holsworthy, emerged through the belfry door and the well-kept secret of her identity was revealed to the expectant crowd.

Among them were the mayors and mayoresses of Bideford, Hatherleigh, South Molton, Northam, Torrington, Northam and the mayor of Bude, along with Jane Whittaker, leader of Torridge District Council.

Lizzy was presented by Angela Blackman, trustee of the Pretty Maid charity, who said she thoroughly deserved to have been chosen because of her long association with the church and her participation in its activities. There followed prayers and a blessing by the Rector, Father Christopher Penn.

After the ceremony, accompanied by the portreeve, her father and retiring Pretty Maid India Marshall-Penn, she crossed the street to the funfair and took a ride on the Crazy Shake. Her busy day continued with attendance at the St Peter's Fair luncheon in the Memorial Hall and during the afternoon visits to local care homes, Holsworthy Hospital and the Day Centre, followed by the Pretty Maid's tea in the church.

Reflecting afterwards mayor of Holsworthy Cllr John Allen expressed his pleasure and pride at the day's events.

He said: "It was a splendid, well organised day and a great showcase for the town. The weather was a little unkind but did not dampen the spirit of the occasion.

"We welcomed the new portreeve, John Addicott, and our Pretty Maid Lizzy and I wish them both well as they perform their civic duties.

"I'd also like to thank the retiring portreeve, Phil Cole. I have enjoyed working alongside him during the past three years."

For the full round-up of St Peter's Fair events, as well as a round-up of the area news and sport, see this week's edition of the Post.