NEWLY-planted apple trees at a community project in Weymouth were sung to in the hopes they will produce a good harvest.

A wassailing event was held at Tumbledown Farm, Southill - the green asset spearheaded by the town council with the support of volunteers.

Wassailing, from the Saxon greeting "waes hael" meaning "be well", is an annual mid-winter tradition, with its roots in a pagan custom, to bless orchards to ensure a good harvest for the year to come. The celebrations involve music, song and dancing.

The local community choir members led the singing, but everyone joined in, and then cider was poured round the base of the trees and a general cacophony of noise made to scare away evil spirits and wake the sleeping trees.

Both choirs are currently welcoming new members.

Choir leader Su Lewis said: "There’s no need to be a skilled performer. All you need is enthusiasm as all songs are taught by ear bit by bit, listening and singing back to the choir leader. If you can talk you can sing."

Contact her via weysound@yahoo.co.uk to find out more.