FOUR days of celebrations are planned to mark the 200th anniversary of St Gregory’s church in Dawlish.

The Grade II listed church will open throughout the four days with special events planned, culminating in a special service with the Bishop of Exeter.

The current St Gregory’s Church is 200 years old this year but it is thought there has been a series of religious buildings on the site since Anglo Saxon times, dating back about 1,500 years.

The original building had been in a poor state of repair with the roof propped up by tree trunks and was too small for the growing population of the town so the current church was constructed.

But the tower was retained and is thought to be up to 800 years old.

The church was extended again in 1875 as the population continued to grow. Between 1875 and 1923 it was called St Michael’s Church.

More details about the history of the church will be revealed by historian David Force who will be giving a talk as part of the celebrations on Friday September 19.

He said: ‘My talk will be on the history of St Gregory’s Church and its influence on the town.

‘I will also be talking about Brunel’s legacy to Dawlish.’

The celebrations, called Honouring the Past, Embracing the Future, run from September 18 to 21 during which the church will be open each day between 10am and 6pm.

Throughout there will be special floral arrangements on display.

The official opening ceremony will be carried out by Mayor of Dawlish Cllr Anthony James and Town Crier Bob Graham at 10.15am on Thursday September 18.

On Saturday September 20, visiting bell ringers will be in action at 12.30pm with the Crazy Foot Tappers at 1pm and a family event at 3pm with Wonderfully Wild and Bay Brass in concert at 7.30pm.

Sunday September 21 will see a Benefice celebration service at 10.30am with the Bishop of Exeter Mike Harrison.