Thousands of visitors enjoyed tours and tasters when a popular cidermaker threw open its doors to visitors.

Weston Mercury: Rugby skills with Bath RugbyRugby skills with Bath Rugby (Image: Neil Phillips photo and film Limited)

Thatchers Cider opened the gates to Myrtle Farm in Sandford to enable people to see behind the scenes.

Black Jacks, The Floor Shiners and Southern Sons provided the music as visitors basked in the September sun.

Thatchers put on face-painting, apple-pressing, competitions, sports skills and science experiments for youngsters, while adults flocked to the cider tent to taste drinks.

Staff also gave tours around the orchards and cider-making halls.

Weston Mercury: Cidermaker Sophie Jennings with Charlie Vanderhoven from Sandford.Cidermaker Sophie Jennings with Charlie Vanderhoven from Sandford. (Image: Neil Phillips photo and film Limited)

Martin Thatcher said: "What an amazing time everyone had at Myrtle Farm for our open day.

"A huge thank you to everyone who joined us.

"We loved getting to meet and chat with so many people and we really appreciate the time that everyone took to look around the farm today."

Weston Mercury: Mendip Morris at Thatchers Open Day.Mendip Morris at Thatchers Open Day. (Image: Neil Phillips photo and film Limited)

Weston Mercury: Amelia has her face painted.Amelia has her face painted. (Image: Neil Phillips photo and film Limited)

Weston Mercury: Crowds enjoy the Thatchers Cider Open Day.Crowds enjoy the Thatchers Cider Open Day. (Image: Neil Phillips photo and film Limited)

Weston Mercury: Cricket skills with Somerset County CricketCricket skills with Somerset County Cricket (Image: Neil Phillips photo and film Limited)

Weston Mercury: Tractor tours of the orchards.Tractor tours of the orchards. (Image: Neil Phillips photo and film Limited)

Weston Mercury: Thatchers staff get ready for the Open DayThatchers staff get ready for the Open Day (Image: Neil Phillips photo and film Limited)