A NEW cider and perry manufacturer is already clocking up the awards, - during the brewer's very first year on the scene.

The new bottles on the block come from the Bromesberrow Estate, and a distinctive local landmark has given them their label.

Business accounts manager, Michelle Atkins said: "

Bromesberrow Estate lies at the southern end of the Malvern Hills overlooked by Ragged Stone Hill – hence the name of the cider, perry and also a single variety perry, - Ragged Stone.

"It is a traditional agricultural estate with ten small perry and cider orchards, which had fallen into neglect after the Second World, but through restoration and replanting they have now been brought back into production."

She added: "In our first exciting year of making cider and perry we are really pleased with the result – the aim was to make a range of traditionally produced lightly sparkling and refreshing drinks."

In the 2014 Big Apple Trials, Ragged Stone clocked up First Prize in the Novice Cider Class and

Third Prize in the Novice Perry Class.

At the 2014, Royal Three Counties Show, Ragged Stone, in Class 3, won Second Prize for its bottled cider.

Gilbert Greenall, the owner of Bromesberrow Estate, who is more familiar working as the humanitarian coordinator for the British government, is delighted.

He said: "It’s a pleasure to harvest the fruit as in former centuries with people who live and work on the estate. I’m grateful to such a strong team who have embraced this new challenge and made an excellent first year’s produce. It feels like we’re bottling the essence of summer.”

Mr Greenall added: "Both the Chaceley Green pears in the single variety perry and the range of cider and other apples used in our blend of bottled cider, come from orchards on the Bromesberrow Estate that have existed since the 17th Century. Like everything on the estate, the orchards are managed according to organic principals.

"Gloucestershire has a unique ecological system. The pre-Cambrian rock on Ragged Stone Hill is the oldest geological strata in Great Britain. The soil is perfect for pears and apples, and the spring water on the estate comes directly from the Malvern Hills."