LITTLE Emlett Orchard at Black Dog near Crediton will be holding its first ever Open Day this Sunday, October 23, from 2pm to 5pm.

Owners, Kate Povey and Chris Mellor are celebrating their success in applying for LEADER funding which has helped them invest in apple juicing equipment and renovations to the apple barn.

Chris explained: “We would love to show our local community and loyal customers where their apple juice comes from.

“We have a good crop this year and will be having a range of apples and apple juices to sample. We will demonstrate how the new apple press works and give orchard tours."

Kate added: “We want it to be a really family friendly afternoon and our two daughters have planned apple bobbing and orchard scavenger hunt activities."

The orchard was planted up nearly 10 years ago with not a Cox or Bramley in sight.

Instead there are old heritage varieties that do well in the South West,  a couple of modern Devon apples, and some old Devon cider apples.

As the orchard has matured the amount of single variety apple juices made has increased and it can be found in a number of local outlets and markets as well as the weekly Pannier Market at South Molton on Thursdays.

It can also be delivered to homes in the Crediton area.

Contact Kate by email at: [email protected] or telephone 01363 860208 for more details.

Alan Quick