APPLE Day may not appear on any national calendars, but in one Bradford suburb the event has become an established institution.

With a community orchard producing an expected 1.5 tonnes of fruit this year, Bradford Environmental Education Service (BEES) is again organising the event to use some of the produce and encourage a traditional seasonal use of fruit.

Apple Day was established by BEES after it set up the Bowling Park Community Orchard on old allotment sites around the turn of the century.

Since then the trees have matured and produce a substantial crop, with Apple Day set up to provide a way to use some and encourage residents to sample new ways of using them.

This year's event will be different to previous years where a full range of food was provided, because of changes in funding.

So those attending have been given apples in advance to make their own dishes to take along on the day, though apple based cakes and juice will still be available to buy.

BEES spokesman Rob Ashford said: "Fourteen years ago BEES inherited a derelict allotment site. We have worked with local people and schools and now have a mature orchard."

This year's event takes place on Sunday, from noon at Bowling Park Community Orchard, off Bowling Park Drive, with cakes, drinks and pressed apple juice on sale.