Worcestershire County Council’s countryside service is urging people with a spare piece of land to plant an old English fruit tree as part of National Apple Day.

Local fruit tree varieties are being made available by the council, including Gladstone, May Queen, Betty Geeson, Madresfield Court, Purple Pershore Plum and Worcester Black Pear.

The aim is to ensure local heritage varieties flourish.

Wade Muggleton, the county’s senior greenspace officer, told Evesham Journal: “This is a great opportunity for people to grow their own little bit of Worcestershire’s heritage. They could also give the tree as a unique and very different present.”

Selections of organic apples pears and plums are available from November to February 2009 at a cost ranging from £14.