HUNDREDS of apple growers and cider makers made the journey to Myrtle Farm in Sandford for National Orchard Day.

Thatchers cider company hosted the event for the first time, inviting more than 300 professionals to the farm.

The event gave the company a chance to present their orchard trial.

Over 70,000 trees have been planted in a new hedgerow style at Shiplate Farm in recent years, John Thatcher said: “We believe that harvesting apples off the ground is not an option for the future, so this major trial will be of immense value.”