BLACKSMITHS from across the country descended on Sticklepath last Saturday for the annual St Clement's Day celebrations.

The traditional celebrations at the National Trust's Finch Foundry included the spectacular 'firing of the anvil' using gunpowder.

The day offered a rare opportunity to gain an insight into the craft and see some of the country's top blacksmiths in competition.

'The Great Snail Race' invited competitors to forge a Sticklepath snail in the shortest time possible while other blacksmiths used Finch Foundry's unique water-powered trip hammers in demonstrations that faithfully recreated the atmosphere of a working Victorian forge.

The Cogs and Wheels Morris side also got involved on the day, adding some traditional colour and music to the annual event.