THE mayor and mayoress of Okehampton enjoyed a trip to London recently, to celebrate the centenary of Friary Park in Barnet.

The park was given to the people of Friern Barnet by Okehampton benefactor Sidney Simmons in 1910.

Cllr Mike and Mary Morse were joined by Okehampton town councillor Christine Marsh and Derek and Margaret Woolacott, of Okehampton Moving Pictures, during the visit between Saturday, August 21 and Sunday, August 22.

The park is now cared for by the Friends of Friary Park, who paid Okehampton a visit during its centenary celebrations in 2007.

There was plenty to keep guests entertained over the two-day celebrations, including various marquees, which displayed the history of Friern Barnet, as well as dancing fountains, a fancy dress event, a baby show, floral and agricultural displays, wrestling and a fun fair.

Cllr Morse said: 'We had such a lovely two days.

'It was worth going up and they really looked after us and treated us very well.

'We had a beautiful time and it was nice to meet the Friends of Friary Park.

'I think the best bit of the weeekend was when the mayor and mayoress of Barnet, along with myself and Mrs Morse, took part in a buggy chariot race with donkeys— the mayoress of Barnet won, but I wasn't far behind!

'There was a fantastic turnout and I really enjoyed the fountain which was set up so it was dancing in tune with the music.'

During the formal ceremony Cllr Morse presented the mayor of Barnet with a plaque which will be placed at the foot of a tree donated by Okehampton Town Council, to be planted in Friary Park.

The mayor of Barnet also presented Cllr Morse with a specially commissioned statuette, which is a replica of a statuette that stands in the park, some 15 feet high.

An interdenominational service of thanksgiving was also held, followed by a fireworks display, which rounded off the celebrations.

Mr and Mrs Woolacott also presented the Friends of Friary Park with a DVD about Simmons Park, which had been made by members of Okehampton Moving Pictures.