IT was apples galore at the eighth annual Bere Ferrers Apple Fest, dubbed as the 'Best one yet' by organisers writes Sam Hughes.

The Apple Fest, organised by the Tamar and Tavy Apple Group, took place in and around Bere Ferrers Town Hall at the weekend and saw a record number of people in attendance as well as a record amount of money raised for charity.

The event was opened by Mayor of West Devon, Cllr John Hockridge, as he pressed the button to start the apple press.

Brian Lamb, chairman of Tamar and Tavy Apple Group, said: 'It was fantastic. The people we've seen and the people who were there all said it was the best one yet.'

Mr Lamb said the Apple Pie competition, judged by chef Peter Gorton, received a good response from visitors and a number of new attractions took place this year.

'A local wood carver made things out of apple wood, there was an apple shy for the children, we had bee keepers from Cornwall and Rosie Sanders, author and illustrator of The Apple Book came along and launched her book at the fest.'

Richard Vulliamy and Frances Howard were kept busy identifying apples which visitors had brought with them with an array of local varieties, including Ladies Fingers, Oken Pip, Pigs Snout and Pigs Nose.

Visitors also enjoyed rural craft demonstrations, displays of apple trees, advice from local expert Charles Staniland on grafting and tree pruning, music from Dartmoor Border Morris and the Tavy Tars, and various competitions. Advice was also available from the Devon Rural Skills Group and Endsleigh Garden Centre.

Around £700 was made throughout the day. A large percentage will go to charity but the Tamar and Tavy Apple Group have not yet decided which charity. They plan to make a decision at their next meeting.

Mr Lamb said: 'It was a great day overall, everything went well and credit goes to the members who helped out on the day.'

Winners of the apple pie competition were Tristan Tyrer for the age five to eight category, Harriott Smith for nine to 11, and Jenny Beer for the adult category.

Martin Lambert-Gorwyn won the poetry competition, George Allen came first in the children's longest peel, and Rob Smith was the winner in the grand draw.

Thanks was expressed to all contributors, members, helpers and visitors for making the Apple Fest a success.