People will dip pieces of toast in cider and tie them to the branches of apple trees to ensure a bumper crop this year.

Shenley Park will hold a wassailing event, to ward off evil spirits lurking in the orchard, which could ruin the trees and crop.

The centuries old custom will see a large Wassail bowl, filled with a mixture of hot ale, sugar, spices and roast apples, passed from person to person to bring good luck.

Participants will light a torch into the Orchard and gather around a tree, then hang pieces of cider-soaked toast onto the branches as a present to the tree.

It will be held on Saturday, January 4 from 6.30pm at the Chapel, above the Team Rooms, off Porters Park Drive. To register your interest, contact the park.