FAMILIES are being invited to enjoy the fruits of autumn at an apple day at Hanbury Hall, Droitwich.

The 18th Century country house has its own orchard and will be celebrating the product on Saturday, October 1.

Hanbury Hall boasts 136 traditional fruit trees with around 40 apple varieties - among the oldest is the Catshead, which dates back as far as 1600.

Other varieties grown at the property include King of the Pippin and Peasgood's Nonsuch, which date from the 19th Century.

Staff will be selling carrier bags which can then be filled with apples.

Visitors are also invited to take along apples from their own gardens for identification by local expert John Edgley.

Anyone wanting to know the variety of their apple tree should bring two or three examples of its fruit for John to see.

Apple juice made at Pershore College can be sampled and staff from Walcot Organic Nursery, of Drakes Broughton, will be on hand to take orders for organic fruit trees.

Head Gardener Neil Cook said: "Worcestershire has a long tradition of apple-growing and this is a great way to discover more about one of the county's most famous products."

The growing of apples was well advanced in Worcestershire, Herefordshire and Gloucestershire by the 16th Century and the bulk of these apples was used for cider making.

"It is also a rare opportunity to see the walled garden at Hanbury, which will be open for only the second time this year," Mr Cook said.

Completed in 1701, the homely William And Mary-style house is famed for its fine painted ceilings and staircase, and has other fascinating features including an orangery, ice house, pavilions and working mushroom house.

Hanbury Hall's stunning 20-acre garden, recreated in keeping with the period of the house, is surrounded by 395 acres of parkland, with beautiful views of the surrounding countryside.

The exhibition in the Long Gallery interprets the hall's social and architectural history.

The apple-picking will take place between 11am and 5pm. The house opens at 1pm. Normal admission prices apply. For more information, call Hanbury Hall on 01527 821214.