THERE has been a regeneration of orchards in the Tamar Valley over the last few years, thanks to Tamar Valley Services and some private orchard owners.

This resurgence of local orchards and all things apples is reflected in the famous Bere Apple Fest and this year's event will take place in and around Bere Ferrers Church Hall, Bere Ferrers, on Saturday October 11.

The Apple Fest will be opened at 1.30pm by Cllr Neil Burden, chairman of the Tamar Valley AONB, and runs until 5pm.

Apple products, such as cakes, pies, sauces, Bere toffee apples and traditional sweets will be on sale. Refreshments will be available.

The popular apple pie baking competition returns again, with the promise of fabulous prizes. There are two classes: one for adults and young people over 12 and another for children.

Entry forms are available from the post offices at Bere Alston and Bere Ferrers, plus Margaret's Hairdressing. Master chef Peter Gorton will judge the entries during the morning of the Apple Fest.

A number of competitions will be run for children, such as old favourites, the longest apple peel and a competition called Animals Made From Apples and visitors will be invited to compose a n apple limerick.

Endsleigh Nurseries at Milton Abbot will be on hand to give advice about buying fruit trees and will have a range of trees on display and for sale.

Experts will be on hand to assist with apple crushing, using an electric press. Visitors are encouraged to bring their own apples, with a suitable container for the juice.

For apple growers, or potential growers, there will be an advice centre and demonstrations manned by personnel from Devon Orchard Link. A rural crafts display proved popular last year and will be returning in October.

The event is sponsored by Tamar Valley Services and The Horn of Plenty.