RESIDENTS of ten villages around West Devon will get the chance to pull the famous Hatherleigh Tar Barrels, when the barrels go on a 'Ten Pub Pull' on Saturday, September 7.

In past years the tar barrel committee has pulled the barrels to Winkleigh, Iddesleigh, Sheepwash, Highampton, Folly Gate and Northlew to raise money to keep this important tradition alive — but they have never covered more than about 15 miles because it's a tough job pulling up and down hills on tarmac.

This pull covers 45 miles and ten 'locals', although the barrels and pullers will travel by trailer and bus between villages and pull for about one mile at each location.

The idea is to stop the bus outside each village, pull the barrels through the village to the 'local' for a break, and then move on to the next village.

True to tradition, the tar barrels being used in this pull are destined to be consumed by fire on Hatherleigh Carnival Day on November 9.

'One of the goals is to raise money for our own funds', says committee member Eddie Edwards, who is organising the event. 'But there's another reason this time — we want to give as many people as possible the chance to see, touch and find out more about the tar barrels.

'Local people, particularly youngsters, are invited to turn up at a pub near them and meet us.

'They can have their picture taken by the barrels if they like and there will be a chance to pull. It's the first time in the 110-year history of Hatherleigh Carnival that outsiders will have had this opportunity.'

The Ten Pub Pull starts in the Square in Hatherleigh at 10am then visits Iddesleigh, Winkleigh, North Tawton (two pubs), Exbourne, Northlew, Bratton Clovelly, Halwill Junction, Black Torrington and Highampton before returning to Hatherleigh at around 8pm.

The second set of barrels for the carnival will be made at the committee's other 2013 fundraiser, the Hatherleigh Carnival Island Park Party, starting at around 6.30pm on September 14. Entrance is free and a wide range of fun, games, refreshments and entertainment will be available. Visitors of all ages are welcome.