IT WAS a celebration of autumn and rural Kentishness when the National Trust-owned Red House celebrated Apple Day.

The garden of the house, once owned by artist and socialist William Morris, and its orchard were opened up for local families and visitors to enjoy a host of activities connected with apples.

Morris chose the site for his home because of the orchard there.

The listed house, in Red House Lane, Bexleyheath, offered children seed planting, pot painting and a cooking corner, all with an apple theme , while adults could watch the revolutionary Isaiah Jackson apple press in action and taste apple and pear juice and mulled cider.

There were family quizzes, face painting, competitions and fun characters to meet.

People were also able to get advice from the gardeners about keeping fruit trees and get their apple variety identified.

Custodian of the house Patrick Joel said: “We were delighted Red House was once again full of families and local people enjoying the spirit of the place.

“Apple Day is really significant for Red House because of the orchard which attracted William Morris and which is still here today.”