OKEHAMPTON members of the University of the Third Age will be guided on an historic 'tour of the Tower of London' next Thursday by West Devon politician Mel Stride.

Mr Stride, the Conservative prospective parliamentary candidate for Central Devon, is is an official guide for some of the country's most important historical sites and a previous winner of the Tourist Board 'guide of the year' award.

He will be recounting some of the fascinating stories surrounding the Tower of London, including the almost successful attempt to steal the crown jewels and the macabre tale of how Thomas Moore's severed head ended up in his daughter's lap!

Mr Stride is a recognised authority on sites such as the British Museum, Westminster Abbey, St Paul's and Tate Britain.

All those in their 'Third Age' — no longer in full-time employment — are welcome at the meeting to be held at Fairplace Church, Okehampton, at 2.30pm.