Visitors were not deterred by the cold weather as they flocked to celebrate Apple Day.

The annual charity event, organised by Trust Links, took place on Saturday at St Laurence Orchard, in Eastwoodbury Lane, Southend. Trust Links is a mental health organisation based in Westcliff, and they run St Laurence Orchard on behalf of Southend Council.

There were about 300 people who went along to enjoy the apple orchards, as well as apple tasting and pressing, peeling competition, kids arts and crafts, music and stalls selling apple products.

Matt King, chief executive of Trust Links, said: “It was a really busy day, despite the poor weather. Everyone had a lovely time, they took a nice stroll around the gardens. We have trees in the orchard that are more than 100 years old.

Echo:

“We had stores from South Essex Organic Gardeners, selling organic apple products. We had other organisations that came along like the Southend Doormouse Group and the Southeast Essex Conservation Volunteers.

“We also had a cake sale, barbecue, folk music, apple juicing, and the kids made bird feed to encourage wildlife to come to the orchard. It was such as lovely day. We also raised nearly £1,000 for charity.

“We will be running the Wassailing event in January. It’s to celebrate, and wake up the trees for the spring.”