The Friends of Dartmouth Community Orchard braved a cold and windy day for the annual apple pressing ritual.

Using traditional methods-washing the apples, milling them and pressing the pulp, the Friends converted the harvest into the freshest of juice.

Children and adults got involved on Sunday, October 28, to produce over one hundred litres from the harvest gathered over the previous weeks.

After bottling, the juice was ready for tasting and the Friends received lots of donations for the one litre bottles.

There was also last year’s cider available for tasting and enough juice was kept back to make more cider for the Friends’ May Fun Day next spring.

The steady flow of visitors also enjoyed chutney, cake, tea and coffee and a variety of home-made produce.

Peter Shaw, chair of the Friends said: “I think the chilly weather accounted for the fact that fewer people came than in previous years, but those who came had a good time and left with juice and produce that they could really enjoy at home.

“For the second year running, we were pleased to have Devon Wildlife Trust supporting us with a stall showing the value of Devon’s traditional orchards for wildlife and were able to use our own pressing equipment thanks to a generous grant from the Greggs Foundation.

“It is great that we can run an annual community apple pressing event.”

Thanking all those who helped make the day a success, he added: “It truly was a team effort. We’re looking forward to next year already, though hoping for kinder weather!”