BISHOPS Frome cider-maker Mike Henney is celebrating this week, after being crowned as overall champion the International Cider and Perry Competition 2015.

One of the most prominent events in the cider-makers' calendar saw 224 entries from 51 cider makers.

And entries came in from around the world for the competition, which was held at The Cider Museum Hereford last week, with judging by industry experts Nick Bradstock, David Sheppy, Patrick Shave and Julian Temperley

Mr Henney's entry won first prize in the 'Class 1 - Dry Cider' category, and then went on to beat the winners of the other 10 cider and perry classes, to take the highest accolade of the competition, 'Overall Champion'.

He said: "I'm delighted to have been awarded this prestigious accolade, especially given the quality of the competition."

Mr Henney started cider making in 1996, when he fermented five gallons in his airing cupboard.

By 2013, annual production had soared to 250,000 gallons, but not in Mr Henney's airing cupboard, of course.

He said he aim was always "to make the best cider possible".

The winning cider forms the base cider for the entire Henney's range, so Mr Henney said he was pleased to have seen it recognised in this way.

Mike Henney lives and makes his cider in Bishops Frome, and his business now has an international appeal.

Henney's range of bottled ciders are widely available through major multiple grocers, specialist off licences and some wholesales, and Henney's Traditional Draught Cider is supplied in a 'bag in box', through Purity Brewing.

Henney's also export to a dozen different countries, worldwide.

In the autumn, the Cider Museum will host a Cidermaking Festival, on Saturday, October 17 and the following day.

Attractions then will include cider-making demonstrations, blacksmith demonstrations, morris dancing, illustrated talks and children's activities.