Communities in Saffron Walden have been encouraged to join an apple picking day – with the aim of ­creating a unique local cider.

The initiative is being organised on Saturday by the World Healing Project, Walden in Transition and the Indian Summer Brewery.

The Axe pub, in Ashdon Road, will sell some of the cider while some will be made available to volunteers who help on the day. Part of the proceeds will go to local charities.

Giles Bryant, of the World Healing Project, which actively promotes well-being initiatives, said: “This is an experiment to see if we can achieve a local product from ­something that would normally go to waste.

“It’s about making the most of the local produce we have, which in these times of financial struggle it makes perfect sense.

“It saddens me to see trees laden with apples and going to waste. There is so much produce out there, and we’d like people to get in the ­community spirit by getting involved.

“Crab apples, cookers, eaters – any variety is suitable.”

Giles said the idea initially came from Walden Inspired, a ­collaboration between Saffron Walden Quakers and Walden in Transition to explore and act on areas of joint concern.

And he said his long-term goal was to develop a community food sharing scheme in Saffron Walden.

• Anyone can get involved with the apple picking day on Saturday, and this is how:

1 – Collect boxes for apples

2 – Locate apple trees and ask if owners are willing to share

3 – Donate your own produce

4 – Visit specified orchards to collect apples (to be announced, visit worldhealingproject.com)

5 – From 9am on Saturday, all boxed apples are to be delivered to the front door of New World Timber Frame, Unit 3, Ashdon Road Commercial Centre (next to Ridgeons)

6 – Enjoy the fruits of the community labours