ALLERFORD held its first village open day on Saturday and the sunshine saw plenty of visitors take advantage of what was on offer.

Brothers Kieran and Kyle Roberts, who run the National Trust Forge, came up with the open day idea.

Kyle said: “It went really well, about 500 people visited throughout the day and everyone seemed to enjoy themselves.

“We’re hoping to hold another open day next year and make it bigger – and hopefully the parish council will be organising it.”

Kieran added: “On behalf of the village I would like to thank the locals for their support and the many visitors who made this event a success.

“We must also thank the National Trust and especially rangers Paul Camp – for undertaking guided walks of the local area – and Nigel Hester.”

Events included free entry at the rural life museum and demonstrations by the West Country Thatchers.

The blacksmiths at Allerford Forge also allowed people inside the historic building to see the team at work.