LONG-standing Dunster resident and keen horticulturist Joan Nicholson was called on to officially open the village's new community orchard at the weekend.

She was given the honour of cutting the ceremonial ribbon at the orchard in front of around 70 villagers who had gathered at Buttercross for a day of celebrations.

The orchard was planted by some 40 volunteers last November on Crown Estate land to mark the 250th anniversary of the organisation.

The 57 apple and plum trees were sourced from Triscombe Nurseries and were paid for by the Crown Estate.

The project was initially a partnership between the estate and the First Dunster Scouts, but evolved to include Dunster First School and Dunster Parish Council, which now leases the site from the Crown.

The fruit trees were carefully selected to ensure they provided fruit throughout much of the year and the harvest will be available to everyone in the community.

Plans are now underway to hold fruit-themed events, including wassailing and apple days.

On Saturday, local families and residents were encouraged to take along picnics to the orchard and to join in apple-related games to celebrated its completion.

Andy Player, countryside manager for the Crown's Dunster Estate, said the officially opening had been well supported but said there was still time for people to get involved in the project.

He said: "The trees can be sponsored for £35 and this helps towards the establishment of the trees, but people will also soon be able to sponsor a bench if they wish.

"We welcome anyone who wants to get involved and may wish to join the orchard committee and help us to look after this exciting new community resource."

Anyone wanting to get involved can contact Andy by telephoning 01643 821309 or 07920 028777 or by emailing [email protected]">[email protected].

Photo: Steve Guscott