ST Mark’s Church in Upper Hale has hosted its first Community Apple Day. About 50 people, aged 0 to 70, came with bags of apples to be juiced and enjoyed apple pancakes, apple bobbing, apple juice and even singing apple-themed songs. The remaining fruit from the 11 trees in the community orchard was picked and juiced. The trees were planted by community groups last December

Reverend Lesley Crawley, a priest at the church, said: “It was such a lovely event; the sun shone, the apple juice was delicious, the children played and everyone had a good time. I owe a great debt of gratitude to John Ely who manned the juicer for two hours solid and has been such a supporter of all we have done in the churchyard at St Mark’s.”

Paul Sowden, who oversees the community orchard and wildflower garden, said: “This event was a huge success, the atmosphere was brilliant and it brought the community together. We will definitely run this again next year and my prediction is that it will grow and grow.”