Visitors to the Marcle Ridge area for the Big Apple event of October 13 and 14 are being urged not to walk across local farmland, in light of the recent foot and mouth crisis.

Event spokesman, Jackie Denman, of Putley, said: "We welcome visitors back to the countryside. There's still plenty to see and do in the villages themselves."

Rare perry pears will be the focus of a stroll along The Monks Walk at the historic Much Marcle manor house, Hellens, led by expert Charles Martell at 3pm on Sunday, October 14.

Also at Hellens on the Sunday, Dr Barrie Juniper of Oxford University will given a talk on "The Origins of the Apple", from China to Much Marcle, at 5.15pm.

Other attractions will include tales of cider, called "Ciderlore", with Fiona Mac at Lyne Down Cider at 3pm on Saturday, October 13, and a performance by the Leominster Morris Men at 1.30pm on Sunday, at the same venue.

There will be a chance to climb the bell tower at St Barthlomew's Church to see the surrounding orchards and the opportunity to sample apple teas at Much Marcle Memorial Hall, alongside a display of cider apples and perry pears.

A full programme of events is available on 01531 670544.