PAUL Stephens' training in cider-making at Pershore College stood him in good stead for the annual Big Apple Cider Trials at Putley, near Ledbury.

Paul of Newton Court, Leominster, teamed up with his father Tom to become overall cider champions at the trials which attracted a bumper entry of 122 competitors.

Paul's interest in cider started as a hobby three years ago and now it sells through the farm shop.

"We experimented with different techniques and this obviously paid off," said Paul.

Making cider must be in Paul's blood because his family has been making it for many years.

His father, although working abroad for many years, was brought up on a farm where plenty of cider was made for household use.

Tom said: "Paul is very enthusiastic about cider and his college training has paid dividends. This was shown by winning the overall championship from such a big and strong entry."

The farm shop also sells perry straight from the barrel. "There is not much perry made around Herefordshire nowadays and we find if we don't always have enough pears to cater for demand we have to buy in," said Tom.

"Demand seems to be growing for farmhouse cider and perry out of the barrel," he added.