CHILDREN are being given plenty to get their teeth into to celebrate Apple Day.

Cliffe Castle in Keighley marked its first Apple Day last year with a gathering at the site.

But the Covid-19 restrictions meant celebrations this time had to take on a different format.

Bradford Council has joined with community groups to create party bags, for distribution to 150 children.

Those involved in the project include the Cliffe Castle Support Group, Keighley Healthy Living, Redcliffe Orchard and the council’s neighbourhoods service.

Each bag contains an apple-themed activity book and everything needed to make a dessert.

Bridget La Fauci, from Keighley Healthy Living, said: “We have worked to Covid-secure guidelines, with fantastic community support, to gather the ingredients and make-up the party bags.”

Dan Palmer, heritage parks officer at Cliffe Castle, said last year’s Apple Day had been a huge success and organisers were keen to do something again.

He added: “We appreciate families are struggling through this difficult time and felt that this was the best way to keep the day going and help children and families to have fun. Massive thanks go to all involved for pulling together to make it happen – and watch this space for 2021!”

Apple Day will also be celebrated via social media on Sunday.

Here’s what you need to make the dessert yourself:

INGREDIENTS (SERVES FOUR)

1 dessert apple

2 level tbsp sultanas

1 level tbsp white sugar

100g pudding rice

6 squares of broken-up white chocolate

1/2 level tsp mixed spices

8 level tbsp dried skimmed milk powder

METHOD

1. Pour 1 pint of water into a saucepan.

2. Cut the apple into quarters and remove the core. Then dice the apple (with the skin still on).

3. Add the diced apple into the saucepan along with the pudding rice, sultanas and sugar.

4. Stir gently, then bring the contents of the saucepan to the boil and simmer gently for 20 minutes with the lid on.

5. Take off the heat and stir, then let the mixture cool for 5 minutes.

6. Add the broken-up white chocolate, sprinkle in the mixed spices and dried skimmed milk.

7. Stir thoroughly until all is melted.

8. Pour into 4 dessert dishes and serve either warm or cold.