GREEN fingered volunteers gathered at the Trotshill Community Orchard this weekend to help keep the area blooming.

The monthly event sees volunteers from the local area get together in the orchard to help make it a place where fruit can grow and people can enjoy.

The project to restore the 20 year old orchard has been running for about three years with the support of Worcester City Council and Transition Worcester Orchard Workers and the workers have made a huge difference to the area, which is now open to people who want to pick their own fruit.

Lee Russell, of Mabbs Close, Warndon Villages, is a regular volunteer at the project.

He said: "Today we are clearing to plant some more trees. This week we have the hard core group of workers. We do get people coming in and out as well and we see a lot more when it's pressing apples. But everyone tends to be local.

"The area was sort of re-energised three years ago. We cleared it out and now you can come up most Sunday afternoons where there are apples and find people picking them.

"I like doing this sort of thing and learning new skills. I also like getting involved in local fresh food and it's a lovely time of year when the apples are here and I can bring my own children up here to pick them."

Heather Bainbridge, community engagement officer Worcester City Council, assists the volunteers and offers support and advise where possible.

"The orchard has really been opened up and we are discovering a few more trees," she said. "Anyone can come along, even if they only come a few times."

The volunteers meet at the orchard, off Trotshill Lane East on the third Saturday of each month.

The next gathering is set to take place on November 16.

For more information visit worcester.gov.uk/trotshill-community-orchard-project.