MASTER chef and co-owner of the Horn of Plenty restaurant, Peter Gorton, judged a total of 55 apple pies baked by children from St Andrew's School in Buckland Monachorum last Friday as part of its annual competition for Apple Day.

The amount of pies, baked by pupils from key stage two, were down from last year's total of 85, but Peter said the quality was 'much improved' and he was 'impressed' by the presentation.

The winners were Peter Alexander and Elanor Mills.

After school, parents were invited to take part in the many activities on offer, including a raffle, apple tasting, apple bobbing, and a 'longest apple peel' competition.

Teacher Ros Knight said next year will be the tenth anniversary since the school planted the orchard and will also be the 200th anniversary of the Brambley Apple.

'Next year will be extra special,' she said.

Peter is pictured with apple expert Celia Stevens and pupils with their pies, and apples from the community orchard.