THE Post is grateful to Ronald Ackland of Shebbear who has provided these photographs of the traditional ‘Stone Turning Ceremony’ which is held in the village every year on November 5.

The stone is situated outside The Devil’s Stone Inn, which takes its name from the tradition, but what is the truth behind this mysterious event — well, according to Mr Ackland, nobody truly knows!

Every year while fireworks are being let off in other parts of the country, the village of Shebbear comes out in force, crowbars in hand, ready to turn the six by four foot, one ton, stone.

Mr Ackland himself took part in the ceremony for 20 years, and his father before him was a stone turner for 40.

It is traditionally carried out by the bellringers of the town, for which Mr Ackland was one for many years. “I come from a bellringing family. Unfortunately though there are no bellringers in the village now, so bellringers come from far and wide to help with the turning as well as former local bellringers.”

Many people believe the stone was dropped by St Michael upon the Devil himself and that turning the stone averts misfortune.

However, Mr Ackland said: “Everybody thinks they know why we do it, but I’ll tell you the truth, no body really does. They didn’t know 150 years ago and they certainly don’t now.”