DUNSTER and Carhampton both held their annual wassailing events to bless the trees and encourage a good harvest for the apples.

Doug Challoner, chairman of the Buttercross Community Orchard in Dunster said a crowd of more than 70 people came out to enjoy the evening.

"On Tuesday 17 January the traditional date for Wassailing, the Buttercross Community Orchard organised their annual Wassailing Ceremony in Dunster," Mr Challoner said.

"This was the sixth time the Orchard had staged the ceremony since its revival in 2012 and a crowd of about 70 people enjoyed the evening.

"Martyn Babb and friends provided the music and stories as well as leading the Wassailing ceremony."

Mr Challoner said two schoolchildren were on hand to soak the toast with cider to help attract the good spirits.

"Rifles were fired amid the noise of the crowd to drive off the evil spirits," he said.

"This was followed by the traditional torchlight procession through Dunster to the Forester's Arms pub to continue the music and merriment for the remainder of the evening."

Meanwhile Carhampton also had a very good turnout for their wassailing in the orchard behind the Butcher's Arms with singing and much merriment.