IT has been shaping up to be a tremendous year for fruit in the Tamar Valley and the apples at National Trust's Cotehele are no exception.

Chris Groves, Cotehele's orchard officer, said: 'Pollination was good for us this spring. It was a late season and all the blossoms came out at once so there was a fear initially that we would have low bee numbers and they wouldn't have a chance to pollinate all the blossoms.

'As it worked out, the weather was fine and the bees did their work. It looks like we will enjoy a bountiful crop after last year's poor harvest.'

To celebrate the autumn harvest, the staff and volunteers at Cotehele are planning something a little different.

On Saturday, September 7 'Apples, Trees, Cider and Cheese' will showcase some of the best cider and cheese from local producers and Cotehele's Victorian cider press will be in action every half hour on the hour, with the final 'Big Squeeze' at 3.30pm. There will also be an apple tree care clinic offering advice on apple trees and orchards from local experts James Evans and Mary Martin; an orchard tour at 2pm; a children's juice-mixing laboratory; Tamar Dowsers; plus home apple presses for sale.

In the evening there will be a Cider Hoedown in the Barn Restaurant. This will include music from folk band 'Fox Amongst the Chickens'.

'Apple Trees, Cider and Cheese' will run from 11am to 4.30pm,. Normal admission charges apply.

The hoedown starts at 5.30pm, with the music and hog roast from 7.30pm. Entry adults £10, child £5; Hog roast £5. Booking is advisable on 0844 249 1895.