Back to school in Okehampton...

... OK -  not just yet kids, but your parents have got to think ahead! (Only another couple of weeks...) You'll soon be demanding pens, pencils, calculators, new uniforms, sports kit and everything else that goes with a new term.

Nearly everything you need can be found in the town - and why go traipsing round Exeter or Plymouth when it's all close to hand?

For stationery, you'll find everything from cheapest to specialist. For the basics, Red Lion Bazaar is not only extremely cheap, but has an excellent selection of all sorts of paper, pens and the other bits and pieces today's students don't want to be without. Rate Red Lion Bazaar.

For the 'heavier duty' needs - files, folders, a better class of pen, and good quality paper - Martins (ex More, Forbuoys etc etc) will have what you need (plus a short diversion to the Pick'n'Mix). Rate Martins.

If you are looking for specialist stationery, go round to GTi in St James Street, happily still open after the untimely death of proprietor Martin Grant. Here you'll find things like proper 'pencils' (I like 2H), loads of quality pens, coloured card and paper, printer paper and printer cartridges. Well worth a browse. Rate Gti.

When it comes to uniforms and sportswear, Donalds has the title 'Official Supplier to Okehampton College.' This shop - and it's owner - is something of an institution in the town, and you're bound to find loads of help and advice from Donald himself, or from Wendy and Mark. Among their many services, they'll alter clothing - often while you wait. Rate Donalds.

Over the road at OK Leisure, you'll also find Okie College kit, plus Okehampton & Hatherleigh Primary uniforms. They are also the only source of 'serious' outdoor and hard weather gear in the town, so if you're looking for protection from the coming winter, they'll be able to help. Rate OK Leisure.

If you want to shop on-line, try the Thomas Moore site. They are based in Exeter, so you're not damaging the local economy too much!

Sports equipment is a problem now the town's only sports shop has closed. (Again - why do they never last??) It'll have to be Exeter - where you can try JB Sports for the economy range, or perhaps Tony Pryce Sports for more specialist gear.

If you've got any further suggestions for anything needed for the new term, make a comment below - and do rate these local businesses. If it's good, they'll appreciate it, and if not they'll try harder to please!