A BEEKEEPING group from Cornwall recently made the trip to Okehampton to visit a company in the town manufacturing specialist bee keeping equipment.

National Bee Supplies recently welcomed members of the Roseland Beekeeping Group to their premises for an informative tour and discussion on various beekeeping topics.

The Roseland group, part of the Cornwall Beekeepers Association, was formed in 1995 and is currently experiencing an encouraging increase in membership.

The visit included a tour of the company's manufacturing area, where examples of their bee hives and related equipment were being made.

The merits of using best quality western red cedar wood was discussed.

The group was also taken to the wood drying facility, where stacks of cut and dried cedar are kept for many months, sometimes years, prior to use.

The tour culminated in the company's large showroom, which is open to the public, for refreshments and a chance to view the large range of beekeeping supplies and equipment.

Bill Stevens, joint owner of National Bee Supplies, said: 'We always welcome individual visitors, or large groups, to our premises here in Okehampton, particularly from local beekeeping associations.

'We're very proud of our facilities and enjoy sharing our success with others.'