ALMOST 100 people took part in a wassail event in Bere Ferrers Community Orchard on Saturday evening to encourage a good crop of apples this year.

There was a procession from the village hall to the orchard where a fire was set of burning coals, the Border Morris dancers performed and residents took part in singing and dancing.

True to tradition, toast was hung on the trees to encourage birds to eat the insects and cider was poured around the roots of the trees to encourage growth.

Then it was back to the village hall for pasties, cider and apple juice and some more dancing from Border Morris.

The event, conceived by Richard and Joyce Peden and helped by the Tamar and Tavy Apple Group, raised £200 for the Devon Air Ambulance.