A SPECTACULAR community event with 'rivers of light' is being planned to take place for the first time this February.

The first Okehampton Lanterns Procession is to take place on Thursday February 23. The project is being organised by the Okehampton-based folk and community arts charity Wren Music.

People of all ages will be able to take part free of charge, thanks to the financial support of the Okehampton United Charity and Devon County Council.

Wren Music's artistic director Marilyn Tucker said: 'Imagine two rivers of lights snaking their way through the streets of Okehampton, with hundreds of lanterns of different shapes and sizes shining aloft, as young and old from all over the town come together for the procession, with a grand finale in Simmons Park and music and singing too, it should be truly spectacular.

'Wren Music staff will be helping a wide range of community, school and family groups to make lanterns in the weeks leading up to the procession, and during the half-term week in February, they will be leading a series of workshops open to all, where you can make your own lantern from withies and tissue paper.'

The organisers are inviting everyone who would like to get involved to come along to an information evening at the Ockment Centre on Wednesday January 25 from 7pm to 8.30pm.

If you can not attend but would like to find out more e-mail [email protected]">[email protected] or call 01837 53754.