Apple growers were invited to Thatchers Cider in Sandford to meet the cidermakers and enjoy a tour of the mill.

Thatchers has a network of growers throughout the West Country, from Somerset and Devon to Hertfordshire.

Managing director Martin Thatcher said: “As a cidermaker we like to use specific varieties of apple to create the characteristics we are looking for in our ciders.

“It’s important therefore our growers really understand their apples, and have an appreciation of how that contributes to our cider.”

Quality manager, Richard Johnson, said: “We are really proud of the relationship we have with all our apple growers.

“Thanks to the close relationship we have with them, we are happy to pay a premium in what’s a highly competitive market.

“Going that extra mile means that our growers know they are a part of our extended family producing fantastic, world-class ciders.”