A UNIQUE project by the Tavy and Tamar Apple Group enabling apple tree owners to turn their fruit into apple juice was launched at Morwellham Quay on Monday.

The group has invested in an electric apple crusher that turns the fruit into a pulpy mush; this is then made into a 'cheese' in a hydraulic press from which the golden juice emerges. They are also buying, bottling and pasteurisation tanks to sterilise the juice. Lucky owners will be able to drink, freeze, pasteurise or turn their juice into cider.

At the launch, a representative from Devon County Council started the new apple crusher with the season's first apples.

The mayor of West Devon, Cllr Alison Clish-Green, and the chair of the Tamar Valley AONB Partnership, Cllr Neil Burden, started a 'cheese of apple mush' as the press started.

Christopher Kirwin, chairman of Tavistock and Villagers Initiative, presented four pasteurisers to the group, and the vice-chairman of Bere Ferrers Parish Council, Cllr Hilary Boot-Handford, and members of Bere Ferrers Community Shop, has also given other equipment.

The purchase of the equipment has been made possible with grants from West Devon Borough Council, the Tamar Valley AONB, Devon County Council, The Tavistock and Villages Development Forum, Bere Ferrers Parish Council, the Community Shop, Bere Ferrers and '02 It's Your Community', who financed the four-wheel trailer, allowing the equipment to be transported to events and owners' sites.

The group made up the balance with a substantial amount of fundraising.

The apple group will be working closely with communities within the Tamar Valley through events such as the seventh Bere Apple Fest on Saturday, October 10 at Bere Ferrers and numerous training courses to help local people plant and maintain their orchards or garden apple trees.

Cllr Robert Sampson, chairman of West Devon Borough Council's environment and community committee, said: 'This is an extremely worthwhile project, reviving an interest in the heritage of the Tamar Valley in particular.

'The movement towards local food and drink is one that the council wholeheartedly support.'

Tim Selman, Tamar Valley AONB manager, said: 'The group has been instrumental in creating a resurgence in interest in apples and orchards, including running the successful annual Apple Fest, much loved and well-attended by people from near and far.

'It's not just about growing apples, it's about growing community networks.

'The AONB has supported the group for several years and will continue to work alongside it in its further evolution.'

The group welcomes inquiries about its activities and membership details.

Its next event will be a processing session in Bedford Square, Tavistock, on Saturday, October 3, when the public are invited to bring clean apples for processing.

For further information about the Tavy and Tamar Apple Group, including membership, contact Brian Lamb at [email protected]">[email protected] or telephone 01822 841309.