AROUND 400 members of the public joined in the ancient ritual of Wassail at Sheppy's Cider, Bradford-on-Tone, on Friday (January 27).

Taunton Deane Morris Men took centre stage, leading the dancing and carrying the newly crowned Wassail Queen to the orchards.

There they toasted Wassail to the biggest, finest old apple tree.

The crowd shouted their reply of “Drink Hael” to the sound of guns, and thereby ensured the success of the coming harvest.