ASHBURTONIANS turned out in force to see elements of their medieval past played out in the town's streets, writes Nigel Canham.

The annual ale-tasting and bread-weighing ceremony, on Saturday, was conducted by members of the Court Leet, a body that can trace its roots back to the ninth century and which once served as the king's official representatives.

All of the town's hostelries and bread outlets were visited to ensure only products of the highest quality were on sale, the officers accompanied by a large and curious crowd and supported by the City of Exeter Pipes and Drums.