ORCHARD owners in the Ledbury area have been pledged regular payments again by the new owners of crisis-hit cidermaker Bulmers.

Willie Crawshay, the new general manager following the firm's takeover by brewing giant Scottish & Newcastle, paid tribute to the "loyalty and support" of growers during the crisis.

Growers accepted a revised payment schedule to help Bulmers but will now go back to being paid by the month for crops.

"When the chips were down for Bulmers a year ago, you the growers stood steadfast and loyal behind the company," he said, in a speech at the Golden Apple Awards.

The Golden Apple lunch was held at the farm of top award winners, Nigel and Beryl Rolinson, of Lower Court, Putley. The event included more than 200 members of the apple growing and cider making industry.

Mr Crawshay said that one issue facing S&N is to address an oversupply of bittersweet fruit.

Mr and Mrs Rolinson own seven orchards on their 67-acre fruit farm.

The winning orchard was a seven-acre block planted in 1984 with bitter sweet varieties of apple, Michelin and Dabinett.

A Biodiversity Action Plan was specially prepared for the farm by Janet Lomas, of Farming Wildlife and Agriculture.

This, along with the Rolinson's quality of tree management and orchard husbandry, helped to produce a winning combination of consistent good yields and thoughtful environmental management.

Other winners. Woodpecker Challenge Cup for Young Bush Orchards: 1, D K C Matthews, Middle Brampton Farm, Madley; 2, J C Davies and Son, The Townsend, Stretton Grandison; 3, M J and B J Jones, Homelands, Hereford.

Strongbow Challenge Cup for Young Standard or Half Standard Orchards: 1, G D Wilkinson, Risbury Mill, Risbury; 2, Major David Davenport, Foxley Estate, Mansel Lacy; 3, W D Layton and Sons, Great Parton, Eardisley.

Pomagne Challenge Cup for Mature Standard or Half Standard Orchards: 1, Yarkhill Farm, Yarkhill Court, Hereford; 2, A H Jones, Westbrook Farm, Little Hereford; 3, M J Blackman, Tree Farm, Bishop's Frome.

Bertram Bulmer Challenge Trophy for Mature Bush Orchards: 1, N T and B E Rolinson, Lower Court, Putley; 2, W D Skittery and Sons, Lillands, Little Marcle; 3, G and R M Blandford, Temple Court, Bosbury.

The Most Improved Orchard: R A and S D Cotton, Great Moor Court, Much Marcle.

Golden Apple Challenge Trophy: 1, N T and B E Rolinson, Lower Court, Putley; 2, Yarkhill Farms Ltd, Yarkhill Court, Hereford; 3, D K C Matthews, Middle Brampton Farm, Madley.