The event, organised by Blackmoor Estate, attracted thousands of visitors to the free fair.

Apple doctor surgeries, horse and cart rides, stalls and a display of snakes were part of the fun.

Almost £8,000 was raised among a host of local charities.

Managing director William Wolmer said: “It went really well –- we were lucky with the weather.

“The forecast was good and it turned out alright.

“We had a phenomenal turn out this year and I am not quite sure why that was!

“But it was good to see everyone, by all accounts everyone had a good time.”

Traffic along Drift Road was heavy as the crowds flooded onto the site.

“We had to open up another field for parking because of the unexpected number of cars this year,” he said.

The main attraction was the hundreds of varieties of apples chopped up and ready for visitors to taste.

Mr Wolmer said: “There was a great deal of interest in the apple and pear tasting days.

“I think it is always the apple tasting that is the highlight for people, the fact that they do not realise that there is such a big amount of apples grown down the road from them.

“They get a chance to see how to grow them themselves.”

Mr Wolmer added: “We really want to put the word out about English apples in the hope that when people go into the supermarket they choose us than something imported.”

Charity workers agreed to help cut up the fruits in exchange for being allowed to raise money for local causes.

Among the beneficiaries were Blackmoor Village Hall, Butterfly Conservation, Chase Hospital League of Friends, Greatham Church, Bordon Lions Club, National Trust, RNLI, St Matthew’s Church, School and Bellringers and the Blackmoor and Whitehill Scouts.