MORE than 2,500 people enjoyed a unique insight into one of the West Country’s most famous names on Saturday.

Thatchers Cider, based in Sandford, opened the gates at its Myrtle Farm apple orchard to allow people to explore the cider-making process.

The firm – which has sold in excess of 40 million pints of cider this year – offered tours of the cider mill and bottling hall, and ran tractor tours around the orchard.

This was accompanied by music from The Fallen Apples and dance performances by the Mendip Morris Men – plus, of course, plenty of opportunities to sample a tipple or two.

Martin Thatcher, a fourth generation of the Thatcher family involved in cider-making, said: “Myrtle Farm had a really strong buzz of excitement all day.

“News had spread far and wide about the open day, which we last held two years ago, and we had visitors arriving early keen to see what was going on.

“What a great way to enjoy Somerset.”