They say good things mature with age, and that's just the case with Chudleigh Parish Church, which celebrates a milestone birthday today.

It may be the church's 750th anniversary, but it's not lost any of its grandeur or features. In fact many have been enhanced and improved during the centuries.

The Rev Paul Wimsett, who has been at the church for ten years, said he is looking forward to the celebrations.

'It's quite awesome thinking back to what it must have been like 750 years ago,' he said.

'It's going to be a special day. I wonder what people did on that occasion 750 years ago – I try to imagine what they wore and what they said.

'It's a big event for the church and the town. We also had the 700th anniversary of the town charter earlier this year so it's been a busy year.

'The building is obviously important but it is the people who support it who matter. There's a real sense of community.'

The church dates back to 1259 when Bishop Bronscombe set off visiting churches under his care and dedicated them to their patron saints and on November 6 of that year, he dedicated Chudleigh church to the Saints Martin and Mary.

St Martin was Martin of Tours who was a fourth century soldier who gave half of his cloak to a beggar and then dreamt that he saw Jesus wearing the cloak. He became a Christian and was martyred for his faith. St Mary is Jesus' mother.

When it was originally built, the church was very different from how it looks today and consisted of a nave and chapel. It later became a cruciform building.

Around 50 to 100 years later the church changed again to the perpendicular style. The well-known tower was built during this time.

During the years there have been numerous changes and major restoration projects.

From the minute you open the huge wooden doors of the church you can see a wealth of history staring back at you.

One of the most beautiful features is the rood screen, which dates back to the 15th century.

Twenty painted panels of apostles and prophets adorn it. Latin inscriptions also feature.

'Architecturally, this is one of the best parts of the church,' said Mr Wimsett.

'In lots of churches, things like this were destroyed during the Reformation. Somehow our screen survived. It's such an important part of the church.'

Nearby is the font and pulpit, which date back to the 1840s.

The stunning font is created from Ogwen limestone from Snowdonia.

One of the main focal points of the church is the decorated east window, which is in memory of the Rev Gilbert Burrington who was a vicar at the church from 1785-1841. It was inserted six years after his death.

The window was donated by John Williams. He was a wealthy man who helped both the church and the poor.

As a baby he was abandoned on the vicarage steps and was brought up by Mr Burrington.

'The east window is very special. The colours are particularly vibrant,' said Mr Wimsett.

'What makes it significant is the lovely story about John Williams.'

Another prominent feature is a memorial on the north wall to Sir Piers Courtenay and his wife Elizabeth. The names of their seven children are recorded.

Their daughter Anne married Anthony Clifford, a squire of Kingsteignton. On his death in 1552, Sir Piers left Ugbrooke Park to his daughter and the link with the Clifford family and Ugbrooke commenced.

Many other memorials are dotted around the church. Some adorn the walls, others are inscribed on floor slabs.

The floor tablets bear the details of past residents who have made their mark on society. As they were so renowned in the community they were buried in the church.

One of the most significant is Joan Cholwich, who died in 1709 aged 86. Her memorial can be found in the south aisle.

'The oldest graves outside the church date back 100 to 200 years,' said Mr Wimsett.

'In years gone by a lot of people couldn't afford a headstone.'

One of the church's oldest features are two large bells which were left in the will of Bishop Grandisson in 1368.

More bells have been added and they can often be heard ringing throughout the town.

Mr Wimsett believes the church is at the heart of the community and the town still supports it.

'People want to come here for baptisms, weddings and funerals. They value it being here,' he said.

'They may not necessarily come every week but in many parishes if you say the church is going to close or has a crisis, all sorts of unexpected people help. When the roof needed fixing, some while before I came, there was a big effort in the town to raise money for that.'

He also believes that as the church is moving with the times it will continue for many years to come.

'It will certainly keep changing as the town grows,' he said.

'It's grown hugely in the last 30 to 40 years. As the needs of the town alter so do the needs of the church.

'There's always been a Christian presence in the town and that's because its message is timeless.'

To celebrate the milestone, the Bishop of Plymouth the Rt Rev John Ford, will be attend the church for a children's service at 2pm today.

Trusham church also celebrates its 750th anniversary on November 22 with a service to be conducted by the Bishop of Crediton, the Rt Rev Bob Evens, at 5.30pm.