FAMILIES turned up at the historic St Laurence Orchard for the traditional Wassail event.

Wassailing dates back to the Anglo Saxon era, and is a chance for people to “awaken” the tree and bless them for a good harvest.

Traditional methods include toast being placed onthe oldesttrees branches to entice robins, believed to the guardians of the orchard, cider poured around the roots of the tree, while pots and pans are clattered to ward off any evil spirits.

To serenade the trees and entertain attendees there was music by Kiti Theobald, and an impromptu sing along with the Mudlarks choir.

Echo: Family event - young raffle winner enjoyed his prizeFamily event - young raffle winner enjoyed his prize (Image: Trust Links)

The event, organised by the mental health charity Trust Links, took place of Sunday January 22, with Southend’s mayor Kevin Robinson in attendance.

“There was a real community spirit, and it was wonderful to see so many people wanting to engage with local nature and the historic St. Laurence Orchard,” said Giorgia Whitehouse, communications manager for Trust Links.

It raised more than £500 in the process with the sale of cakes, spiced apple juice and merchandise.

See www.trustlinks.org.