FAMILIES basked in the glorious sunshine at the Three Trees Farm Shop over the weekend as they hosted their annual open day.

The Chiseldon-based business has opened up its doors to the public for the last five years by offering a fun-filled day of activities for the whole family.

From the ever-popular donkey rides for children to sampling some of the farm shop's award-winning produce, the open day gives locals the chance to get together while raising money for Prospect Hospice.

Ian McMurray, who runs Three Trees Farm Shop with his wife Beth said: "Each year the event grows and we’ve been pretty lucky with the weather this year.

“We tend to get a lot of people from the nearby villages and we’ve got quite a big customer base now which we’re looking to expand.

“It is nice to get people here because the farm shop is right on the cross roads of the Ridgeway so we get a lot of passing trade.”

As well as the chance to get up and close to some of the farm animals, youngsters were also able to take a closer look at the farm's tractors while others were able to have their face painted or play outdoor games.

Families looking for some quiet time in the sun were able to hear from local author, Barbara Townsend, who read her book The Savernake Big Belly Oak to children before they took part in traditional bark rubbing.

One family who was enjoying fun in the sun was Sarah Cahill and her daughters Daisy, four and Hetty, two.

The 37-year-old who lives in Wroughton said: “We saw it being advertised on Facebook so that’s why we thought we’d come along and see what was going on.

“I drive past here a lot and I’ve always said I wanted to come in so this event was a good excuse plus it is free and there is a lot of things for the kids to do.”

Local produce vendors were on hand to provide much-needed refreshments including Richard Paget who runs My Apple Juice – a Ramsbury-based organisation that turns apples into pure, non-alcoholic apple juice.

“What is fascinating is that 90 per cent of apples grown at home fall to the ground and are wasted," Richard explained. "What we decided to do was create our community apple juicing organisation so that people could bring their apples to us and we would wash, pulp and press them for juice they can enjoy.

“We met the guys from the farm at an event last year and we kept in touch which is how we ended up coming to the open day.

“Everyone has come by and had a try of the juice and asked questions. Most people have no idea how apple juice is actually made so for us, it is about education and showing people the processes of doing it.”

The Three Trees Farm Shop is now planning to organise an apple festival in the autumn.