FOUR days of celebrations marked the 200th anniversary of St Gregory’s church in Dawlish.

Visitors were treated to a packed programme of events including a collection of specially created floral displays and an exhibition reflecting on 200 years of the Grade II listed church within the community of Dawlish.

Bishop of Exeter Mike Harrison led a Celebration Service with vicar of St Gregory’s Revd Linda Cronin as part of the festivities entitled ‘Honouring the past – Embracing the future’.

The church was open to the public throughout the four days free of charge and any donations made go to the St Gregory’s Church Restoration Fund.

Floral displays to mark 200 years of St Gregory's Church, Dawlish. Photo Noreen Goodchild
Floral displays to mark 200 years of St Gregory's Church, Dawlish. Photo Noreen Goodchild (mda )

Historian David Force gave a popular talk on the history of St Gregory’s and its influence on the town while visiting bell ringers and musicians the Crazy Foot Tappers were also in action.

Bishop Mike Harrison cuts the celebration cake. Photo Noreen Goodchild
Bishop Mike Harrison cuts the celebration cake. Photo Noreen Goodchild (mda )

Mayor of Dawlish Cllr Anthony James officially opened the celebrations with town crier Bob Graham.

Families took part in Wonderfully Wild’ nature activities in the churchyard.

And there was more music courtesy of Bay Brass in concert.

The current St Gregory’s Church is 200 years old this year but it is thought there has been a series of religious buildings on the site since Anglo Saxon times, dating back about 1,500 years.

The original building had been in a poor state of repair with the roof propped up by tree trunks and was too small for the growing population of the town so the current church was constructed.

But the tower was retained and it is thought to be up to 800 years old.