PANS were banged and whistles blown as villagers scared away bad spirits from a nearby orchard.

North Somerset Times: Pill Wassail, Eleanor Hall(5) making some noise.Pill Wassail, Eleanor Hall(5) making some noise. (Image: Archant)

The annual tradition of wassailing, which also saw toast soaked in cider placed in tree branches, was held at Watchhouse Hill in Pill on Saturday in the hope of ensuring a good crop of apples in the coming year.

North Somerset Times: Pill Wassail, George and Matt Burley making some noise.Pill Wassail, George and Matt Burley making some noise. (Image: Archant)

By lantern light, participants could also enjoy performances from the Pill Whalers and the village Morris dance group.

North Somerset Times: Pill Wassail, Green man David Parker.Pill Wassail, Green man David Parker. (Image: Archant)

The event was organised by the Friends of Watchhouse Hill which is made up of volunteers who work to promote and maintain the public open space.

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