THE Church bells were rung to summon parishioners and the Village Drum was beaten for the grand unveiling of Hemyock Parish Pump.

A crowd of more than 200 gathered around the pump and were welcomed by parish council chairman Heather Stallard.

The pump commemorates the reign of Queen Victoria, the Coronation of Edward VII and the Restoration of Peace in South Africa, and guests included relatives of Hemyock men who fought in the South Africa War.

The pump, which had been cleaned by Metal Developments helped by A Stones, and splendidly re-painted, was unveiled by Vice Lord Lieutenant of Devon Sir John Cave Bt, helped by Hemyock School pupils Fleur Drawert and Alfie Seal, amid much cheering.

The pump was then blessed by the Rector, Rev David Burton, the report of the original unveiling was read by Penny Lawrence and the poem Hemyock Pump by A B Blackmore was read by Tim Barton.

Following the unveiling, soup was on offer for everyone present.