ENGLISH Heritage are looking for people with memories and stories related to Bluebell Sunday and Okehampton Castle to come forward in time for this year's event.

The event marks the changing of the seasons and the coming of the spring flowers. It has been a highlight of the Okehampton calendar since 1917 when local benefactor Sydney Simmons gifted the castle to the Okehampton Castle Trust for the inhabitants and visitors of the town to enjoy the castle in future years, making this the 98th year of celebrations.

In addition to the packed programme of outdoor activities, the castle team are this year asking for residents of Okehampton to share their memories of the day.

'Visiting the castle on Bluebell Sunday was one of the very first things we did when my family moved to Okehampton in the 1980s,' said Rowan van Houben, now site manager at Okehampton Castle.

'I was only a very small child at the time, but the memory of that day — and exploring the castle for the very first time — has stuck with me ever since. I'm sure it's where my love for the castle started.

'Bluebell Sunday is such a well-loved tradition in the town, that I am sure there are many people with tales and warm memories of the event – and we would love to hear them. We're hoping to put together an exhibition of memories, so ask that anyone with stories or photos to share gets in touch with us here at the castle.'

Today a picturesque ruin, Okehampton Castle was once the largest castle in Devon. Begun soon after the Norman Conquest as a motte and bailey castle with a stone keep, it was converted into a sumptuous residence in the 14th century by Hugh Courtenay, Earl of Devon, much of whose work survives.

After the last Courtenay owner fell foul of Henry VIII in 1538, it declined into an allegedly haunted ruin. Now in the guardianship of English Heritage, the castle is open daily throughout the summer.

Okehampton Castle's annual Bluebell Sunday celebrations take place this Sunday. Entry is free throughout the day and anyone with memories of Bluebell Sunday they would like to share can e-mail [email protected]">[email protected]