A FESTIVAL at the core of a community is returning to celebrate all things apple-related.

Now in its third year, Apple Day will take over Ford Park, Ulverston, for a day of old-fashioned country fun.

The idea behind the festival was to enjoy the last days of harvest and welcome autumn.

Ford Park Community Group, which runs the event, are hopeful that this year's event will be the best yet.

Lindsay Ward, business and community engagement coordinator for the group, said: "In the grounds of Ford Park we have an orchard of young, native apple trees. We are trying to give them a foothold in the area."

People coming to the day are encouraged to bring their own apples and containers along, and watch them being pressed into juice before their eyes. This year's pressing is being run by the South Lakeland Orchard Group.

There will also be a wide range of apple-related fun for the whole family to enjoy. Children will get the chance to make apple-headed scarecrows, and there will a competition judged by mayor Mark Wilson for the best apple-themed T-shirt.

Mrs Ward said: "We are increasingly famous for our apple-headed scarecrows, we get asked to provide them across town."

There will also be an inflatable assault course for those who think they can take it on, a competition for the longest apple peel and a craft fair inside the Coach House.

Mrs Ward said the festival aimed to bring the community together and celebrate local businesses.

The history re-enactment group Iron Shepherds will be at the festival to perform, as will jazz musicians Blast Furness and the Appalachian dance group.

There will also be more contemporary attractions such as chainsaw carving and wood turning.

There are plenty of tents and gazebos on standby if the heavens open.

Mrs Ward said: "We're really excited, it's a really nice culmination of the growing season.

"We're eagerly anticipating welcome people on site and showing them some old-fashioned country fun."

Apple Day will take place this Saturday in Ford Park between 11am and 4pm. Admission is free, with all-day parking available for £1.