A TRADITIONAL and ancient celebration shows no sign of stopping - in fact, quite the opposite.

A record turnout of more than 200 revellers were treated to a wonderful wassail in Bridport’s community orchard on Sunday afternoon.

Wassailing, or blessing of fruit trees, involves drinking and singing to the health of trees in the hope that they will provide a bountiful harvest in autumn.

Visitors to the community orchard joined in chasing away 'evil spirits' from the orchard and welcoming in the good ones to ensure a fruitful year and bountiful harvest in 2019.

There was a fun and friendly atmosphere and the sun shone as friends and families enjoyed the music of Wyld Morris, who started proceedings with their traditional Morris tunes and jolly wassail songs, followed by some lively dancing to lift the spirits.

The town crier, John Collingwood, announced the start of the wassail before master of ceremonies and storyteller, Martin Maudsley, led the ceremony. He crowned and robed the King and Queen, who then chose a special tree to be blessed with cider poured onto its roots and cider-soaked bread placed in the branches, to encourage a bumper harvest.

Paul Arthur, of Bridport Community Orchards, said: "The crowd was invited to create a loud hullabaloo, with noise made by whistles, drums, rattles and voices to frighten away the evil spirits. There was a lovely warm fire, and Dorset Nectar were on hand with their local ciders, and orchard volunteers served hot apple juice, all of which was greatly-appreciated. All in all, it was a fantastic winter celebration."