Method and apparatus for placing an insert in a container

A method of placing an insert in a container having a neck wherein the insert is of greater longitudinal extent than the cross-section of the neck, comprising the steps of holding the insert in a first orientation while causing relative movement between the insert and the container to introduce the insert into the container through the neck and subsequently permitting the insert to move under the influence of gravity into a second, different, orientation relative to the first orientation within the container, said step of holding the insert in said first orientation while causing relative movement between the insert and the container to introduce the insert into the container through the neck comprises a step of causing the insert to fall under gravity through a guideway which extends through the neck.