PEOPLE are being given the chance of protect and increase the county’s orchard heritage.

It's that time of year again when Worcestershire County Council offers residents the opportunity to buy local organic fruit trees.

A selection of trees, including five varieties of apples, two varieties of pears and two varieties of plums, are priced from just £14.50 and are available from November 26 to March 15, 2013 for planting in the winter season. Residents are advised to order early to avoid disappointment.

Wade Muggleton, senior community greenspace officer for the council, said: “This is a great opportunity for people to grow their own little bit of Worcestershire heritage. There are some great varieties of fruit trees in the county and it would be a shame if we lost any of them.”

The trees are grown in partnership with Walcott Organic Nursery in Drakes Broughton.

To place an order, go to worcestershire.gov.uk/fruittrees where you can download an order form.

For more information and advice on planting, visit the Countryside Service website at worcestershire.gov.uk/countryside or email communitygreenspace@worcestershire.gov.uk