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A Somerset cider firm that saw home sales soar during lockdown has taken it a step further by launching DIY Wassail kits.

Home drinkers lifted sales for Harry's Cider Company after it lost around 70% of its trade sales overnight when the first lockdown forced the closure of pubs, bars and restaurants in March.

But a then lifted overall figures back up to almost 75% of where they were before.

Now it has launched a DIY Wassail kit for lockdown 3 to encourage people to get out into their gardens this month and hold their own personal wassail ceremonies.

Traditionally held on 17 January, “Old Twelvey Night”, the wassail ceremony involves blessing the orchards, waking up the apple trees from their slumber and scaring away any evil spirits in order to ensure a healthy crop.

Alison Chapman from Harry’s Cider Company, said: “In previous years our annual wassails have been well-supported and great fun. Rather than throwing in the towel altogether this year, we thought it’d be a nice opportunity to encourage even more people to get involved in this ancient tradition – something that is still very much alive across our rural counties.

“Whether or not you have an apple tree in your garden, it’s an evening’s entertainment that anyone can get involved with. Let’s face it, we’re all keen to ward off any evil spirits this year and hope that spring yields a good crop, in whatever shape or form that may be.”