THIS summer, Liberty Fields is inviting people to visit their orchards in west Dorset for a series of open tour and tasting events.

The company has established 10 acres of apple orchards at Liberty Farm in Halstock where they make a range of unique apple-based products - an apple balsamic vinegar, apple aperitif and Porter's perfection apple vodka.

Orchard manager Ali Lemmey said: "We have been running orchard visits for local gardening clubs and societies for the past year and are keen to welcome more visitors to the orchards to see what we do."

A two hour tour includes refreshments on arrival, a walk around the orchards with information about all aspects of apple tree management and viewing of the barn 'solera' where the barrels of balsamic are aged.

Visits conclude with an opportunity to taste Liberty Fields' apple products. Tour tickets are £8.

*Open tours will take place on the following Thursdays - July 27 at 2pm, August 3 at 6pm and August 31 at 6pm. For more information or to book a place on a tour, contact Liberty Orchards on 01935 892430 or e-mail alilemmey@gmail.com

The orchards are sited close to the village of Halstock, on the Closworth Road (BA22 9SZ).