A CEREMONY dating back to pagan times has been re-enacted in an orchard.

Cider makers and locals joined forces in Frampton Cotterell to revive an ancient wassailing ceremony and promote organic farming.

About 25 people gathered at the village's community orchard to perform the old custom last weekend.

The ritual included pouring cider on roots and placing pieces of toast in the branches of trees to encourage a good crop of apples.

Loud noises were then made by the group to scare away evil spirits lurking in the branches.

The popular event, which included a pruning workshop, was aimed at promoting organic farming in South Gloucestershire.

Avon Wildlife Trust Community Education Officer Ruth Worsley told the Gazette the ritual was a success.

Ms Worsley was nominated the wassailing queen, which involved her pouring the cider on the tree's roots.

She said: "The event was a great way of getting people to reconnect themselves with the natural world.

"Sadly a lot of us are shutting the door on the outside. Events like this, despite the awful weather, promote farming and the wildlife.

"Everyone seemed to enjoy it."

Ms Worsley hoped the ritual would lead to a good harvest of apples in the summer and another wassailing event next year.

The event is growing in popularity thanks to the increased profile of cider and greater interest in tradition.

The next wassailing ceremony in South Gloucestershire will be at Avon Wildlife Trust Willsbridge Mill, Longwell Green, on Sunday, January 21 (2.30pm).

For more details call 01179326885.

(panel) THE unusual custom of Wassailing revealed: - The ceremony is performed to encourage a fruitful harvest from orchard trees and to scare off evil spirits.

- It is traditionally celebrated either on Twelfth Night or the previous day, sometimes known as Old Christmas Eve.

- It is is named after the Old English expression 'waes hael', meaning 'be in good health'.

- Pieces of crisp bread floating in the wassailing drink is said to have led to our use of the term 'giving a toast'.

- The ceremony traditionally involves a wassail queen offering the orchard trees cider soaked pieces of toast and wassail drink before people make as much noise as possible to clear the tree of evil spirits.

- Today the event aims to help preserve rural traditions as well as recognising the importance of orchards as an attractive amenity and a haven for wildlife.