A LARGE quantity of local cider was drunk as people gathered at a cider farm to ward off the evil spirits for the new year.

Nearly 300 people gathered at Rich’s Cider Farm in Highbridge last Saturday to celebrate the traditional Somerset tradition of wassailing.

The Wassailing Princess was carried shoulder high on a sedan chair to the apple trees where she placed a slice of toast dipped in cider amongst the branches while shotguns were fired to ward off the evil spirits.

The event, which started at 7pm and lasted until late, raised £2,000 for B.U.S.T., the Breast Cancer Unit Support Trust.

West Croft Cider is holding its wassail at West Croft Farm in Brent Knoll at 7pm on Saturday – book by calling West Croft at 01278-760762.

Millwhites Cider is holding its annual wassail at the Orchard Barns, Rooksbridge at 7.30pm on Saturday. Admission is free.