CIDER and perry produced in Herefordshire has been named best in Britain by CAMRA.

Dormington based Mayfayre’s Cider and Ross-on-Wye's Cleeve Orchard’s Perry have beaten off competition from far and wide to take the coveted titles.

The winners were revealed at the National Cider and Perry Championships in Reading after taking the top spots in their regional heats, including the Beer On The Wye festival.

Produced from apples grown in Dormington, Mayfayre’s Cider impressed judges for its distinct, well-balanced spicy and woody notes and a dry aftertaste.

In contrast, Cleeve Orchard’s Perry won the title for its floral and full-bodied flavour, which had a hint of smoke in the aftertaste.

Founded by heating and plumbing engineer Roger Pinnell, Mayfayre Cider began life as a kitchen table experiment 10 years ago.

Since then, the enterprise has grown significantly, currently producing around 2,500 to 3,000 litres a year and winning multiple awards along the way.

"I am really, really pleased that all the hard work that has gone into this has paid off," said self-taught cider maker Mr Pinnell.

"The titles have been held by the boys from Somerset and Cornwall for a long time, so it's great that we have been able to bring them back to Herefordshire."

"Since winning, the phone has been like a hot potato, but at the moment, we find we are selling more of our cider in Yorkshire than we are locally.

"Hopefully this will raise our profile in Herefordshire."

Andrea Briers, Chair of CAMRA’s National Cider and Perry Committee said: “Cider and perry flavours can vary significantly from year to year and harvest to harvest, so seeing such distinct quality is incredibly important.

“Mayfayre exemplifies the very essence of traditional cider right in the home of England’s cider country, whilst Cleeve Orchard also impressed judges with its West Country Perry.

"Owner Lewis Scott has worked with CAMRA to campaign for greater support for small producers, and is a great example of how a local producer of the area can gain national recognition with a quality product.”