AN AREA of natural beauty is celebrating the humble apple and the orchards where they grow.

Arnside and Silverdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) is dedicating a whole day of fun to the fruit.

Apple Day is set to be a family friendly event packed with lots of traditional orchard-themed games and fun activities for all ages.

"Apple Day is held to celebrate the wonderful orchards of the AONB, their value in the landscape, as a wildlife habitat and to the local economy," said a spokesperson.

Kids will get the chance to make their own hedgehogitat, felt apple, magic potion or even their own broomstick.

Experts will be on hand to talk about bees, birds, bats and little beasties that live and feed in the orchards.

And visitors can enjoy a guided walk around the 250 year old traditional Westmorland orchard to learn about the work that goes into maintaining it.

"If you are unsure of the variety growing in your garden, bring three or four apples and a sprig of leaves to our identification table," they added. "You can talk to experts for advice on selecting the right varieties and planting and maintaining an orchard."

Lots of delicious orchard produce to will be on offer to taste and buy from apple juice, apple crepes and cakes to honey, preserves and jams.

There will be demonstrations of wood-turning, traditional blacksmithing and woodland crafts.

For the first time a 'Bake-Off' competition will take place as part of the festivities with three orchard-oriented categories to enter - pies, cakes, and, for the children, decorated cupcakes.

Entries will be judged by the AONB's very own ‘Mary Berry’, WI cake judge Dorrie Galbraith.

Winners will receive vouchers and cookery books donated by Lakeland.

Join the AONB at Briery Bank, Arnside, for Apple Day on Saturday (October 3) from 10am to 4pm.

For more information visit www.arnsidesilverdaleaonb.org.uk/news/item/apples-galore