The annual Big Apple celebration is about to be staged in the Ledbury and Marcle Ridge areas.

The celebration, on Saturday and Sunday, October 11-12, will include a range of special events.

These include the Big Apple cider cycle route which will set off from Ledbury's Market House at !0am on the Sunday. After a brief stop at the Ledbury Perry and Cider Company, the 20-mile route will wind its way through the Ledbury cider apple growing countryside.

Stops will be made at Awnell's Farm and Lyne Down for visitors to enjoy guided walks and cider-making demonstrations or rest their weary legs and test a range of ciders from local makers including Weston's and Much Marcle's own Lyne Down and Gregg's Pit.

Apple tea and cakes will be on offer atMuch Marcle Memorial Hall before the route begins its final stage back to Ledbury.

Event spokesman Bella Johnson said: "There will be plenty of time during the day to explore the orchards and sample the produce.'

For those less inclined to take to the saddle, all the venues included on the cycle tour will be welcoming visitors throughout the weekend for guided tours and cider tasting.

Among a series of special events to be held on the Saturday, The Great Barn at Hellens manor house, Much Marcle, will host cookery demonstrations by Wiz Clift, owner of The Talbot at Knightwick and winner of the West Midlands Regional Food Competition 2002.

For the more literary minded, Dr Charles Bennett, director of the Ledbury Poetry Festival, will be leading a poetry walk around Dragon Orchard in Putley, finishing in darkness with hot spiced apple juice.

For more information call 01531 635432.