APPLE enthusiasts were in their element at the weekend when Apple Day was celebrated with a number of events paying homage to the humble fruit.

Friday, October 19, saw a day of apple pressing at St Albans County Hall, using fruit produced in local orchards.

The rain failed to dampen the spirits of stallholders at the Apple Day Fair on Sunday, October 21, selling apples and other organic and local produce.

The fair was one of many held throughout the country and was the fourth annual fair of its kind to be held in St Albans.

Mr Trevor Brennan of the Countryside Management Service, said: "It's been a good day, and in spite of the weather we have had a steady flow of people visiting us."

The events at the weekend were designed to help raise the profile of apple orchards in Hertfordshire, which are in decline.

Mr Martin Hicks, of the Hertfordshire Biological Record Centre, based at County Hall, said: "It has really been a celebration of apples and the idea was to raise awareness among the general public about where food comes from and the importance of locally grown produce."

October 22, 2001 19:49

By Claire Ling