CHILDREN from a West Devon school will take part in a traditional Wassailing ceremony tomorrow (Friday) to mark the start of the apple season and the success of an orchard project at the school.

The orchard project at St Andrews Primary School, Buckland Monachorum, has proved a great success in establishing both the trees and its surroundings since it began four years ago.

The children will be writing their own poetry and singing a traditional wassailing song, as well as dancing around the trees ? Plympton Pippin, Polly Whitelaw, Devonshire Buckland and the Bramley ? to bless and hope for a good harvest at the orchard near Berrator.

The orchard is now used regularly for educational purposes allowing the children to see the seasonal changes and distinguish between the different types of tree, some of which are very old varieties, particular to this area.

The aim of the orchard is to help children realise the historical and environmental importance of apple trees as well as having fun.

There are also a handful of apple trees within the school grounds.

The tradition of wassailing grew up around the idea of encouraging good health and growth in the orchard, and demonstrates the close links between orchards, music, drama, dance and song.

The wassailing ceremony will take place at the end of the school day, and will be followed by refreshments in the school hall of apple cake and apple juice.