A CONVENT in southern Oxfordshire has put freshly made apple juice on sale for the first time.

Sisters Lorna and Elizabeth Jane, from St Mary’s in Wantage, were snapped with bottles of the juice, which the convent has been producing using apples from its own orchard.

The crop, harvested from the grounds of the Victorian establishment, have produced 395 75ml bottles.

Pressed and bottled at a specialist farm in Oxfordshire, the juice is now available both at the Convent and at the specialist delicatessen Grocer Chef in nearby Ardington for £2.99.

Sister Stella, who has been in charge of the initiative, said: “The extensive orchards were planted when the number of Sisters at the Convent numbered nearer 200. Today, we just don’t need so much fruit.

“So it’s right that we harvest the fruit and use it productively. And the juice is delicious.”

Keith Greig, joint owner of the Grocer Chef, said: “We’re delighted to be selling such a unique local product.

“ St Mary’s Convent Apple Juice fits so well with our other specialist ranges.”

The 2018 vintage is expected to sell out quickly.