COMMUNITY groups and charities across West Somerset and the Wellington area are being offered free apple trees by cider firm Thatchers.

The North Somerset-based firm will give 10 trees to up to 50 organisations which want to plant their own orchard or add to one.

Groups have until January 31 to apply for the trees, explaining why they should be selected for the offer.

It is the fifth year Thatchers has run its Community Orchard Project supporting groups working with people with little access to outside space, and those which use the outdoors to improve the mental health of communities.

Managing director Martin Thatcher said: “We believe orchards are special places that have the power to give communities a place to come together, to learn, to share, to connect with nature and reflect on the world around them, all while contributing to biodiversity and creating new habitats for nature.

“The project shares our family’s passion for apple trees, building communities, and constant effort in supporting the environment and ecosystem around us today and for the future.

“Groups could press the fruits into juice, or, of course, enjoy eating or cooking them.

“Everything you need, including stakes, guards, and ties to assist in planting will be provided.”

He said apple varieties had been chose which were easy to grow and needed only a minimum of looking after.

More than 1,000 trees have been given by Thatchers to more than 175 groups in the previous four years of the scheme.

Applications can be made via the Thatchers website.