Apple harvest celebrated in Essex

Apple Day has been celebrated since 1999 with events across the country

A celebration of apples is taking place around the county with a number of events, demonstrations and tastings.

Over 40 varieties of apple are grown in Essex, including the Chelmsford Wonder, Queen, D'Arcy Spice and Discovery.

Highwoods Country Park in Colchester is holding an 'Apple Day in the big garden' on Saturday, 17, October.

It is free to take part and you can sample the unique apple varieties from Essex, make apple prints and enter the longest peel competition.

Chelmsford fruit growers, Lathcoats have been growing apples on their farm for nearly 100 years.

"Apple day is our annual celebration, it's a national event, but we've been doing it at Lathcoats for nearly 20 years" said Jill Attenborough from the farm.

"It's a great chance to taste the apples and see the difference," she added.

The event takes place Saturday, 24, October between and 10am and 4pm.

At Epping, Copped Hall is holding an apple day event on Sunday, 11, October.

There will be a display of over 170 varieties, and you can taste before you buy some of the delicious different apples that will be on sale.