A big apple celebration returned to an east London forest this weekend as part of a decades-old tradition.  

Around 1,000 people went to the Thames Chase Community Forest centre in Upminster for its annual Apple Weekend over Octover 22 and 23, which was first established in the 1990s.  

This Is Local London: Poppy Newman , eight, and Jack Newman, 11, making apple bird feeders. Picture: Sandra RowsePoppy Newman , eight, and Jack Newman, 11, making apple bird feeders. Picture: Sandra Rowse (Image: Sandra Rowse)

Just under 300kg of apples in 18 English varieties were sold at the event, alongside stalls and activities such as decoration making and willow weaving. 

Around £1,000 raised will go toward the continued maintenance of the centre and its forest, which covers 40 square miles in Havering, Thurrock, Barking and Dagenham and Brentwood.  

This Is Local London: Emma Ingram, eight, making apple decorations. Picture: Sandra RowseEmma Ingram, eight, making apple decorations. Picture: Sandra Rowse (Image: Sandra Rowse)

Co-chair of the Thames Chase Trust, Mary Wright, said: “It went extremely well, we had a lot of visitors, people enjoying the apples, tasting them and buying them.  

“The smell was delicious, as you can imagine.” 

Find out more about the Thames Chase Community Forest at www.thameschase.org.uk 

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This Is Local London: Apple trees for sale at the Apple Weekend. Picture: Sandra RowseApple trees for sale at the Apple Weekend. Picture: Sandra Rowse (Image: Sandra Rowse)

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