A CELEBRATION of the apple proved a tasty success.

A wide range of free activities was staged at Keighley's Cliffe Castle park, and inside the museum.

Apple Day was organised by Cliffe Castle Support Group, Keighley Healthy Living and Fruit Works Co-operative, with support from staff at the Spring Gardens Lane site.

But the event brought together people and organisations from across the community.

There were numerous varieties of apple for visitors to taste, and the chance for people to try their hand at juicing.

A 'human fruit machine' was run by Keighley Healthy Living.

Community groups were invited to share favourite apple-based recipes, and those on offer included apple ring cake from Keighley Ukrainian Association, apple and pea soup courtesy of Roshni Ghar, and hedgerow jelly – made with crab apples – from the Wellbeing Walkers.

A walk took place to visit the site where Eastwood Community School, together with Fruit Works Co-operative and Bradford Council's parks team, will be planting fruit trees in the new year.

Volunteers from Cliffe Castle Support Group helped children make bird feeders to use up bruised apples.

There was also a variety of activities inside the museum, including an apple trail, 'fun facts', colouring and poetry, and singing by Reuben Wilkinson.

Other attractions included toffee apple making by Rachael Neild, from Good Food Keighley, and Get Out More! cooked apple slices on an open fire.

"It was a real community event and the rain stopped just in time!" said a spokesperson for Cliffe Castle Support Group.

"We're very grateful to all our helpers and volunteers, for the generosity of our neighbours donating their apples, and especially the support of the visitors.

"On the day there were lots of different varieties and colours of apple to taste, with more-energetic visitors able to make their own juice. Some just opted for tasting it and the general opinion was 'delicious', although apple connoisseurs were happy to advise whether it was a little tart or very sweet, depending on the variety being juiced.

"The 'human fruit machine' was making its debut at the event, and it proved just as difficult to get three matching fruits with humans as it does with a machine – but it was much more fun!

"We were celebrating locally-grown apples and our neighbourhood orchards, but they are a global food and the community recipe sheets showed the versatility of the humble apple."