TIME is ticking down for those wanting to take advantage of local cider-maker Thistly Cross’ apple exchange scheme, which draws to a close on Sunday at 5pm.

The scheme aims to find all abandoned, overlooked and neglected local Northern apple trees and to put their fruit to good use.

Anyone who donates more than a bucketful can swap their apples for a bottle of real fruit cider or apple juice.

“It’s been a fantastic harvest, and people have really embraced our 2016 appeal, with over 100 tonnes of apples being donated so far,” said Peter Stuart, head cidermaker.

“People have come in from all over Scotland to swap their apples for Thistly Cross Cider and Scottish apple juice.

"Apples have been donated in everything from buckets, fishboxes, wheelie bins to entire lorry loads. We’ve even had a few mailbags full of fruit from the local postman!”

“We aim to use as many Scottish apples as we can get our hands on, so every donation supports Thistly Cross, and helps us meet the growing demand for our ciders, both nationally and internationally.”

All types of apples in good condition can be exchanged for Scottish cider or apple juice up to 5pm on Sunday, at The Store, Belhaven Fruit Farm, Thistly Cross Roundabout, Dunbar, EH42 1RG.

The scheme will be running again next year.