THE first Leominster Town Wassail was celebrated with cider made from the fruit of the town’s community orchard.

A crowd gathered in Corn Square and joined a procession led by singer and musician Andy Davies, heading for the orchard, near the Priory Church, to the sound of drum and concertina.

Cider made from part of the orchard’s 2015 crop by Russell Suttcliffe, from Kimbolton, was poured around the roots of a tree and onlookers raised their glasses to toast the good health of the trees with shouts of ‘Wassail'.

The midwinter Herefordshire custom was once thought to drive away ‘evil spirits’ and ensure a good crop of cider apples in the coming season.

Town councillor Trish Marsh, who took part in the event, said: “Clearly, an important part of wassailing was merriment together in an orchard at the dreariest time of year.

"These days several villages have their own wassail ceremonies and its great the custom is being revived in Leominster – another colourful event to help give the town a buzz.”