THIS year's blossom was blessed at the 'Big Apple' event, bringing together the Marcle Ridge communities.

Cider, perry and apple juices were used to toast last season's harvest and drink to future fruity fermenting.

A flower festival at Aylton Church added to the natural splendours.

Edmund and Marcus Locock made their public debut with Leominster Morris at the Putley event on May Day. They are pictured with 'old-hands' Thony Handy and Allan Pearce.

Cider competition winners were:

Dry cider class (1) John George (2) Mike Henney (3) Robert Cook; medium cider class (1) Robert Cook (2) Westons Cider (3) Hindlip College; sweet cider class (1) Hindlip College (2) Westons Cider (3) Gwatkin Cider; overall champion John George.

Dry perry class (1) and (2) Broome Farm Perry (3) James Marsden; medium/sweet class (1) James Marsden (2) Tom Oliver (3) Minchews' Perry; overall champion James Marsden.

Bottled cider class (1) Robert Cook (2) Gwatkin Cider (3) Minchews' Cider; bottled perry class (1) Robert Cook (2) James Marsden (3) Gwatkin Perry.