THE resurgent interest in the English apple was shown by a themed event in Romsey.

The Apple Day at King John's House and Garden attracted scores of people on Saturday.

It is the third event of its kind across Hampshire in the last few weeks following from ones in Swanmore and Alresford.

As well as displays of local apples there was a host of apple-related activities.

Chris Bird from Sparsholt College was there to help people identify the different types.

Leckford Apple Orchards had a stall with the chance to taste the fruit and try apple juice and cider.

members of Transition Town Romsey were there with apple juice and info on the Botley Road Orchard.

Artist Sarah Morrish was there painting apples in the courtyard.

For children there was story telling and face painting.

The general public appears to be taking more interest in apples, a fruit ideally suited to England’s wet climate.

Hampshire Fare has fostered increased interest in apples, at a time when many native varieties are becoming extinct.

Although the British cider industry is doing well it uses very few varieties.