Hereford cider manufacturers are backing Prince William to give sales a boost after the second in-line to the throne declared he was a cider drinker.

A special 21st birthday interview at his university, St Andrews, resulted in a rush of camera crews to Herefordshire's cider mills when the young prince said cider was his favourite tipple.

George Thomas, spokesman for Bulmers, the UK's biggest cider manufacturer and holder of a Royal Warrant since 1911 said: "The endorsement of cider by Prince William will give cider sales a great fillip this summer. It is terrific news for the cider industry."