APPLE pressing, willow weaving and pebble painting were among the draws to Langford Community Orchard in Bicester this month.

The orchard played host to the annual apple pressing day with scores of families heading along to enjoy the juice.

Crowds of community faces joined the celebrations and rolled up their sleeves to taste 'the best apple juice in town'.

Children were able to learn about the process of making apple juice as well as get a taste of the action themselves.

Elsewhere there was a host of activities arranged by the Langford Community Orchard Group for all ages.

One of the organising team Pam Roberts said: "The Langford Orchard Group's Apple Day was joyful.

"Children were excited to help press the apples and everyone had a taste of the best apple juice in town.

"It's a great attraction for young and old. The willow weaving activity was fascinating and people made Christmas stars, Harry Potter wands and even a plate for mince pies."

Visitors also hunted around the orchard for secret stones hidden by Grassroots Bicester as part of their pebble painting project.

Ms Roberts said the usual cake stall was as popular as ever and raised some much-needed funds for more plants and wildflower seeds.

She went on: "Children made hedgehog bird-feeders and planted bulbs in pots and then decorated them, and explored the different parts of the orchard and discovered corners that they didn't know were there, like the hazel avenue and the wild meadow.

"We were blessed with a sunny day so that people could rest on the straw bales, eat cakes and Healthy Bicester fruit kebabs, enjoy the scene and then take home produce grown on the community allotment.

"We are thankful for all the help with making the day a success."