ST GILES – Sidbury’s beautiful church which dates back more than 1,000 years – can be explored in depth on a guided tour every Thursday afternoon until late September.

The tour, presented by an experienced guide, highlights all of the church’s interesting features, both inside and out, from the stone corbels in the form of lions and leopards to the original 17th century minstrels’ gallery and the stained glass window that explains the story of St Giles.

A particular highlight is a visit to the seventh-century Saxon crypt, one of only six to be found in the UK, dating from around AD 680.

“What the tour does so well is to place the changes within the church in the context of the events that were affecting villages like Sidbury,” says a spokesperson.

“From its Saxon beginnings to the present day, it is not only a living record of our heritage, it is also a beautiful church in its own right.”

The tours start at 2.30pm every Thursday afternoon up until September 26, followed by a visit to the crypt at 3.30pm. Tea and biscuits are provided. Admission £1.

The church is at Church Street, Sidbury, Sidmouth, EX10 0SD. Phone 01395 597324 for more details.