VILLAGERS in Hook made a big noise to scare away evil spirits from an allotment.

Members of the Hook Allotments Association, based at its site in Reading Road, held a wassail – an ancient pagan tradition to ensure a good fruit harvest.

Last Sunday’s ceremony involved displays of dancing by the Hook Eagle Morris Men.

One of the group placed a cider-soaked piece in fruit tree at the site, before reciting a verse and sprinkling cider on the tree’s branches. Those at the ceremony then sang, shouted and banged pots and pans to make sure the evil spirits left the allotment.

Glasses of cider and hot dogs were dished out to those present.

Dave Webb, chairman of Hook Allotments Association, said the wassailing tradition is “still very much alive today”.

He added: “Wassailing involves drinking and singing the health of trees to drive out evil spirits from the orchard and to promote a good harvest for the coming year. It was particularly related to cider-producing apple orchards.”

The site has 24 fruit trees, including four planted at its official opening in March 2011 by celebrity gardener Pippa Greenwood.