THE ancient autumn ritual of apple-picking and cider-making is alive and well . . . in Ancoats.

Families in the New Islington development harvested the first crop of cider apples from their orchard over the weekend.

And after some expert tuition from members of a Lake District cider co-operative, they were soon pulping and juicing the fruit to produce the golden liquid which could launch a new community business.

The venture is the brainchild of Kevin Corcoran, who lives in the first phase of the regeneration of run-down east Manchester, near the city centre.

When he was shown plans of the canals and green spaces developers aimed to create, he had a vision of fruit trees lining the public spaces.

Mr Corcoran, 49, was among residents to try the first fruits of the 125 kilo crop, from Cotton Field Park - which should produce 60 litres of cider.

Urban Splash, who are developing the 30-acre site, are going to buy the first batch of cider back from the community for their staff party next month.

Mr Corcoran said: "When I said five years ago that I wanted an orchard to produce cider I never dreamed I'd be here in Ancoats doing just that.

"The juice tastes great and I can't wait to try the finished product. I hope this orchard is the first of many - and there will be dozens more."

Amanda Crook tasted the first batch of juice and said: "The Ancoats Cider will take 14 days to mature, but if the juice is anything to go by, bursting with zesty fruit flavours, it could be a scrumpy sensation."

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