READERS of the Hereford Times have had their say on what they believe is the best thing to ever come out of Herefordshire.

There were hundreds of responses to our question and an overwhelming favourite among them was the great ciders produced in the county.

Particular brands mentioned when talking about drinks were Bulmers' favourite, Strongbow, Weston's Stowford Press and lesser known makes such as Henney's Frome Valley dry cider.

Herefordshire cattle also got a mention. The Hereford is one of the oldest British native breeds of cattle.

Over the past 300 years, herds having been roaming rural pastures producing the highest quality, free-range, grass-fed beef.

Also heavily featured were some of the sporting heroes who were born here.

Jarrod Bowen, who was born and grew up in Shobdon, near Leominster is currently starring for West Ham United in the Premier League.

He made his debut for Hereford United at Barnet in 2014, before scoring his first goal against Alfreton Town a few weeks later, before being transferred to Hull City.

Also mentioned was Kevin Sheedy, who started his football career in the city. After playing for Hereford Lads Club as a boy, Sheedy started his career with Hereford United, which was followed by a short spell with Liverpool.

He only played three competitive games in four years for the Reds and was sold to Everton for £100,000 in 1982. At Everton he made 357 appearances and scored 97 goals.

Hereford's strong pop music heritage is also referenced with popular bands and artists being formed in the county.

Rock band Mott the Hoople, famous for songs such as "All the Young Dudes" and "All the way from Memphis" originated in the city and had legendary supporters such as Queen and David Bowie.

Pop starlet Ellie Goulding was born and raised in the county and attended Lady Hawkins School in Kington before hitting the big time. She is best known for songs such as "Love me like you do" from the soundtrack of hit movie Fifty Shades of Grey", "Starry Eyed" and "Anything Could Happen" She has released four hit studio albums, and has won two Brit awards both for Critics choice and Best Female solo artist.

Stars lesser known for their links to the county were also mentioned.

Hollywood director, Emmy-winning co-creator, voice over star and puppeteer in a raft of Muppet productions, Frank Oz, was born in Herefordshire in 1944.

As well as Muppet movies and TV shows, his countless film credits as a puppet performer include Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back, Return of the Jedi, The Dark Crystal, Labyrinth, Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones, Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith.

With all these claims to fame and more, the county certainly has a lot that it can be proud of.