VISITORS to Ely on Saturday had an ap-peeling time at the city s sixth annual Apple Festival. Thousands of people came to have their apples identified, take part in apple and spoon races, and learn a little more about the history of the great British appl

VISITORS to Ely on Saturday had an ap-peeling time at the city's sixth annual Apple Festival.

Thousands of people came to have their apples identified, take part in apple and spoon races, and learn a little more about the history of the great British apple.

There were also market stalls selling all sorts of apple related wares, demonstrations from a woodturner and live folk music which all added to the fun of the day. Perhaps one of the highlights was the longest apple peel competition, won by a staggering peel of six metres and 62 centimetres.

Tracey Harding, tourism and events officer at East Cambridgeshire District Council, said: "The Festival was an outstanding success - the weather was perfect and the event was really well attended. We had 10 more stalls than last year and there was an incredible atmosphere to the day. It was also lovely to see so many people walking about eating and enjoying apples."

The winner of the Watergull Orchards Cup for best dressed-stall was Thelma Collins. The judges, chairman of East Cambridgeshire District Council Cllr Richard Hobbs and his wife Pat; and David and Dawn Fisher, felt Mrs Collins had made a noticeable effort by specifically adapting some of her lines for the day.

Tracey continued: "Having seen some fantastic displays over the years, it seemed an excellent idea to award a cup to the best-dressed stall. I feel one of the things that makes this event special is how we try and relate all our stalls and displays to the theme of apples."

The original idea of an apple celebration in Ely was the brainchild of Dawn and David Fisher who are regulars at Ely's Farmers Market. They attended many other Apple Festivals in the region and thought it would be an excellent idea to organise one in Ely.