FRUIT lovers have converged on an East Hampshire village.

The occasion was the 45th annual apple-tasting day at Blackmoor, which has become a firm favourite on the district calendar and features a wealth of apples and ciders and attracts people from across the district.

Woolmer Forest Lions were in charge of the car parking and they had their work cut out as finding space the hundreds of vehicles pouring into the grounds proved no easy task but everyone got parked and it was only a short walk to the festivities.

This year’s favourite apples were a combination of old and new varieties – Norfolk Royal Russet and Sweetie – and the estate experts were kept busy identifying 150 apples brought by the public curious to know what type of fruits grow in their gardens.

As always, apple day offered a variety of attractions, as well as a marvellous array of fruit, and there was plenty of food the a chance to try two of the estates own ciders.

The youngsters had fun tree climbing and for the family there were horse and carriage rides around the grounds while Morris dancing added a rustic feel to the day.

A large variety of craft and other stalls also featured, many run by local charities and a perfect way to find early Christmas presents.

One intriguing attraction was The Labyrinth run by Polly Ravenscroft, a small green maze which had a calming effect for those walking round it.

Bordon’s TLC charity also had “a tremendously good day” at the apple tasting and one of their clients ran the tombola.

Together they raised £120 and handed out more than 5,000 pink balloons and managed to recruit a few volunteers.

The Blackmoor Estate hasn’t yet added up all money due in but organisers hope it will top last year’s £10,000 which was shared between local good causes.