A FOREST based cider and perry maker could be on his way to giving the Champagne makers a run for their money, after winning the top prize at a prestigious national competition.

McCrindles Cider of Blakeney won through a tough competition to win not only the best perry in the 'bottle fermented/ conditioned' category, but also went on to win the the coveted Best In Show award.

Not only that, but the McCrindles Loiterpin Methode Champenoise Perry won by the highest percentage that the organisers have ever seen!

The Big Apple Association held their competition at Putley in Herefordshire over the weekend, and the event attracted 191 entries from 75 producers.

James McCrindle who runs his Blakeney based cider and perry firm said: "The trials are highly competitive, and the scoring is all done through blind tasting. The standard of entries is known to be very high, with some very well respected and established cider makers taking part."

Speaking about his achievement, James added: "To have won in my catagory and then Best in Show is absolutely amazing and I am completely delighted.

"The Methode Champenoise Perry is proving very popular – both as an aperitif and a celebration drink. We've even had people order it for their weddings as an alternative to champagne."

The award comes just three years after James first set up his cider and perry business in the Forest in 2009.