A NEW winery development for a Wye Valley vineyard saw a steelwork and cladding firm raise a glass to success after scooping a top national award.

Whitchurch-based AJ Lowther and Son Ltd, which holds the Royal Warrant to provide work on the Royal farms, entered their project at Monmouth wine producer Ancre Hill for the Rural and Industrial Design and Building Association Awards (RIDBA)

And they were delighted to win their class at an awards night in Cardiff hosted by Tintern-based TV presenter Kate Humble.

As part of their submission, the 69-year-old firm also included their refurbishment of a galvanising building in Stoke-on-Trent, and they were highly commended in the overall standings.

Lowther’s managing director Antony Lowther said: “Both jobs were technically challenging, but also completely different, and we chose to enter them because they showcase the variety of projects which the company regularly wins.”

The company is enjoying a successful time as it nears its 70th birthday next year. The Royal Warrant, which has seen them work on the Royal farms for the last ten years, has been renewed, while last year saw staff enjoy a record payout from the profit-share scheme.