A STROUD-based charity is seeking volunteers to help save a much-loved roadside orchard which offers walkers and cyclists the chance to 'scrump' rare Gloucestershire apples and pears.

The Ebley Linear Community Orchard celebrated its 18th birthday on National Apple Day 2012.

It was the first in Britain to be planted alongside a new cycle trail.

Seventy apple and pear trees were installed by Gloucestershire County Council along half a mile of the route which runs alongside the A419 Ebley-bypass between Stonehouse and Dudbridge.

Many are rare Gloucestershire species with names such as Ashmeads kernel, gilliflower of Gloucester and chaxhill red.

However, in recent years Gloucestershire County Council has been unable to provide funds to maintain the orchard.

Many of the trees have become overgrown and are in desperate need of pruning to ensure their healthy survival.

After many years of complaints from residents about the state of the orchard, a charity has now secured funds through The Big Lottery to restore the site.

The Stroud Community Land Trust will be carrying out the project next month as part of the town's bid to become Britain's first Apple Town.

"We surveyed the orchard last week and identified 55 of the original apple and pear trees which can be saved," said project manager Andy Read.

"We are now seeking volunteers to help secure the linear orchard's future."

There are two ways people can help.

On Sunday, February 17, and Sunday, February 24, from 10am-4pm teams will remove scrub and saplings around each fruit tree.

Then on Wednesday, February 27, and Thursday, February 28, from 10am-4pm apple pruning workshops will be running.

There are only 12 places on each pruning workshop.

For more details and to book your place call Andy Read on 01453 756955 or email redread23@tiscali.co.uk.

The stretch of cycle trail and footpath will be closed on all days to allow the work to take place.