TWO Herefordshire family businesses are celebrating after winning silver and bronze medals at the Reading Beer and Cider Festival.

Father and son team Tom and Paul Stephens, makers of Newton Court perry, took silver at the festival with their medium perry while Gwatkins of Abbey Dore were awarded bronze for their Malvern Hills perry.

Newton Court, who were national bronze champion for their cider in 2005, use a blend of perry pears from chemical free trees which are all sourced in Herefordshire. Paul Stephens said: "It's very satisfying that the quality of our perry has been recognised with this national award."

Gwatkins of Abbey Dore has been producing cider and perry commercially for personal consumption for generations, but in 1991 they started to produce it commercially and in 2004 they scooped gold in the perry category for their Blakeney Red. Denis Gwatkins said: "We made quite a lot of perry last year as the orchards cropped well and we are delighted that the quality has shone through.This is great, thanks to everyone for their support."