FARMERS and foodies flocked to Brinkworth at the weekend to sample the delights of the Wiltshire countryside.

Apple Festival 2016, held at Sunday Hill Farm on Saturday, was part literary festival part farmers market and attracted families from all over the county.

Hosted by philosopher and author Sir Roger Scruton, the event was intended to introduce people to the many and various aspects of rural England with which they might otherwise be unacquainted.

As Sir Roger explained: “We felt we should make good use of this lovely space and invite people along to see what goes on here.

“Not many people know what it’s like living on a farm and we thought it would give a better idea if we opened our doors and welcomed them in.

“We are very keen to encourage people to use local produce because all our neighbours depend on the trade, which is increasingly in danger due to the supermarkets.”

Punters were treated to a traditional farmers market selling everything from mouth-watering cuts of meat to plump and succulent sausages.

There was a crafts tent were people could buy handmade trinkets and jewellery as well as a cake stall and pop-up bar.

Queues for the barbeque snaked around the whole courtyard and judging by the reaction of those who had sunk their nashers into a juicy burger, the wait was well worth it.

John Dewy, 53, from Oxfordshire, said: “It has been a fabulous morning so far. The hot dogs are marvellous and I don’t think I’ve seen a bigger selection of apples in my entire life.

“I think more farms should involve themselves in this sort of thing because it shows that they are connected to the local community and that, essentially, they are open for business.

“We need more people to buy local produce and this is a great way of encouraging them to do so.”

The day was filled with cooking demonstrations, children’s games, live music and talks in the author’s tent.

On display were more than 100 different types of apples including Howgate Wonders, Golden Nobles and Egremont Russets.

Speaking to a gathering in the author’s tent about the issues facing farmers all across the country, Sir Roger, who is the author of more than 30 books on philosophy, politics and the environment, said: “Supporting your local farms is very important and we want to do all we can to help small farmers overcome the challenges they face.

“Small scale farms would benefit in a big way if they could sustain a business that enables them to combine their farming with something that plays a more immediate role in the modern economy.”

A donation was made from the day’s proceedings to the Wiltshire Air Ambulance, which was described by organisers as “a fantastic service provided across our county”.