MORE than 200 people took part in a revived Herefordshire custom last night (January 5).

The ancient acts of wassailing and burning the bush delighted the crowds in Much Marcle.

The ceremonies mark the New Year, and have been revived by the Silurian Morris Men.

The first act sees a bush, hung from the rafters of the Slip Tavern, set alight to mark the outgoing year.

The second, wassailing, saw a torchlit procession follow the Silurians to Westons' cider orchards.

Wassail - which means 'good health' - involves greeting a cider tree to encourage a good harvest.

Cider is poured around the roots, while toast soaked in cider is hung to attract robins, which are sacred.

The crowd is then encouraged to make noise to ward off evil spirits.

Keith Francis, Silurian and deputy mayor of Ledbury, revived the tradition five years ago.

"We first did it because someone in Much Marcle wanted to raise money for the church roof," he said.

"Wassailing is a custom once done throughout Herefordshire and we're just keeping it going."