AN ap-peel-ing first-time event has drawn the crowds this afternoon.

Egerton's Mini Apple Festival proved a success with between 200 and 300 people turning out to the first annual fruity-themed gathering.

A whole host of apple activities including cider tasting, treasure hunts and bake-offs were scheduled to keep visitors of all ages entertained.

Guests even had the chance to press their own varieties of apple, with many taking away fresh juices.

Children went on the hunt for 10 golden apples which had been hidden around the grounds of the 305-year-old Walmsley Unitarian Chapel.

Lynne Cubbin, one of the organisers, said: "It has been such a good day, it has gone really well. Everyone was smiling and there was a really lovely atmosphere.

"We had some really good weather for it, which brought in plenty of visitors, many of whom brought their own apples along for pressing.

"It has been such a success that it is likely that the Mini Apple Festival will become an annual event."

The festival was co-organised by members of the chapel and a group of apple fanatics who enjoy growing and pressing apples.

Blackburn's Blowjangles and The Flying Starts took to the stage to provide a backdrop of live music for the occasion.

Visitors had a go at dry and wet apple bobbing, as well as participating in a 'show and tell' of local memorabilia, including old photographs, paintings and knitted items.

The chapel's Nature Cafe team was also busy serving refreshments and jacket potatoes to keep people satisfied.

The event was also supported by local firms Fully Loaded Pizza and the Slaughtered House Bar.

Funds raised at the event, which was free to attend, will go towards the general running and upkeep of the chapel and its gardens, which are used by Incredible Egerton.