SCORES of families came together to celebrate all things apple as a popular celebration in honour of our fruity friends returned for a third year.

Ulverston's Apple Day once again saw crowds of people flock to Ford Park to enjoy a range of apple-related activities and to revel in the last few days of harvest on what was a clear and bright autumn day.

Children were given the chance to make apple-headed scarecrows and try their hand at apple pressing, which was one of the most popular attractions of the day.

Traditional entertainment was also offered by the Furness based Iron Shepherds living history group who put on a medieval display harking back to the 12th century.

Morris dancers also showed off their moves and carnival street band Blast Furness kept the crowds in high spirits by playing an eclectic mix of tunes.

READ MORE: Ulverston apple gala hopes to put a shine on the start of autumn

The event was organised by the Ford Park Community Group, a dedicated band of volunteers who give up their time to look after the grounds.

Lindsay Ward is a community engagement co-ordinator for the park. This was her first time organising the event and she was delighted with the number of people who came to show their support.

She said: "This is the first year I've been involved and I've really enjoyed it.

"We have been absolutely delighted with the number of people who have turned up and staggered by the number of apples that people have brought to do the pressing.

"Ford Park grows a wide variety of local and native apples so this is our way of celebrating harvest and encouraging people to to look again at what they can use at home.

"The Ford Park community group are such a wonderful diverse bunch of people to be with and it's nice to be a part of something which means a lot to the town."

As well as the orchard in Ford Park which is abloom with native and local apples, the town has a strong link with our fruity favourites as the Keswick Codlin cooking apple was first found in Ulverston in the early 19th century.

Cat Moffatt, who works as a volunteer co-ordinator for the group, loves being a part of the apple extravaganza and was grateful for the support shown by her fellow colleagues.

She said: "This celebration is a really big part of what we do and today couldn't have been possible without everyone pitching in to create a really good community event.

READ MORE: SLIDESHOW: Ulverston Apple Day

Families enjoyed all things apple in Ulverston

"People are used to seeing harvest celebrations and harvest festivals but we offer something different because we don't have a religious affiliation. Instead, it gives people the opportunity to still celebrate harvest and apples but in a way that is unique to Ulverston."

Ulverston mayor Mark Wilson popped along for the occasion and had a big decision to make as he chose the winner of the best apple-themed T-shirt.

He praised the town's community for coming along to support a fun-filled day for all the family.

Mr Wilson said: "The mood and vibe around the place was just quite laid-back and just right for families and those who wanted to have a leisurely stroll.

"Year on year it brings a lot of people into our town from all over south Cumbria and when it finishes people often wander into the centre which is great for local businesses."