LEOMINSTER is set for a weekend of fruity fun when its sixteenth annual apple fair comes to town later this month.

The event takes place at The Priory Church on Saturday October 18 between 10am and 4pm and will celebrate the huge variety of local apples and pears.

There will be a display of more than 150 varieties – including some unusual ones – and some having originated locally.

Felicity Norman, the fair’s organiser, said: "We are always on the lookout for unusual or rare varieties of apples to display, so we would ask anyone with interesting apples in their orchard or garden to get in touch if they can spare two or three apples for our display.

"Many have such wonderful names such as ten commandments, pignose pippin, maiden’s blush, or pitmaston pineapple, and it's a splendid sight which visitors always appreciate.

"People often recognise the names of apples they haven’t seen since childhood. There will also be lots of apples and apple products to taste, and a quiz and competitions to have a go at. Please come along and join in the fun.”

Also at this year's fair will be acclaimed botanical artist, Gillian Talbot who won a silver gilt medal for her watercolours of Herefordshire Vintage Apples.

She will be demonstrating her work during the day, and will have prints and cards for sale.

The event – established by members of Leominster Green Party – aims to increase awareness and appreciation of locally grown food, support for local producers, and to encourage an interest in the huge variety of apples still grown.

Entry costs £2 and there will be also be stalls selling local food and produce, a demonstration of apple pressing techniques and apple identification from members of the Marcher Apple Network.

Also on offer are displays, exhibitions and music, and dancing from Jenny Pipes Morris.

The following week, there will be walks, talks, a community apple pressing session, and an apple pie competition.

For more information or to help out, call Felicity Norman on 01568 780886