VILLAGERS in Porlock have been picking the first fruits of their labours from a new community orchard.

A group of local people set up the initiative about six months ago when they took over a well established but long neglected orchard just off the Toll Road.

The site is part of tenant farmer Brian Palmer's Court Place Farm on the Blathwayt Estate but had been virtually untouched for around 20 years.

A 15-strong working group cleared the area, put up deer fences and gates and last Friday held the first 'village picking' to give local people the chance to try the crop.

Denise Sage, manager of Porlock Visitor Centre and a member of the working group, said a batch of apples from each of the 22 trees would be held back to help identify the different varieties.

"We know they're pretty old but we haven't been able to clarify all the varieties as yet," she said.

"We're really excited about this project and we've had tremendous support from the farmer who leases the land."

Villagers are now hoping to win grant aid to develop the orchard by planting more trees, including plums and other fruit, setting up bee hives and eventually turning it into a wildlife area.

The initial volunteers are learning a range of new skills and hope to demonstrate some of these at Porlock's apple day on November 7.

"This is a scheme that everyone in the village can get involved in," said Mrs Sage.

"The orchard is open all the time and is there for all to enjoy. It's in a beautiful area and the views from the site are wonderful."

Anyone wanting more information on the project should contact the visitor centre on 01643 863150.

Pictured from the left at the first picking are Alistair Campbell, Jeff Cox and Gill Campbell.

Photo: Steve Guscott