A Hucknall cider maker has scooped an award in the eighth East Midlands Real Heritage Cider and Perry Competition.

'Whyburn', which is produced by Hucknall based Torkard Cider, claimed the bronze award in the bottled cider category.

The awards which are organised by Nottingham CAMRA Branch took place earlier this month at The Nottingham Robin Hood Beer and Cider Festival which was held at Trent Bridge Cricket Ground.

Thirty traditionally-made ciders and perries from 17 makers across Lincolnshire, Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Northamptonshire were entered into the completion, which involved blind taste-testing by a panel of 18 judges, in the beautiful surrounds of the cricket pavilion.

Speaking to Hucknall Nub News, Ray Blockley who co-founded Torkard Cider with his wife Gail, said of the award: "It's the first time we've entered the competition. We started bottling in lockdown in 2020, and so we bottled more last year because it went well, so we threw it into the competition. Although we've won awards for the draught cider to win something for the in a bottle (category), to get recognition is a great achievement, it's really nice."

Described by experts as 'clean, fresh, and refreshing,' Whyburn is said to be of a medium sweetness, and has a 'nice balance of soft tannins and citrus.'

A percentage of the profits of the award winning cider, have been donated to Hucknall Against Whyburn Farm Development (HAWFD) group's fighting fund.

Mr Blockley had already intended to name one of his ciders Whyburn but when the green belt land at Whyburn Farm was included in the Local Plan as a potential site for 3000 new houses to be built upon, it seemed obvious to link up with HAWFD.

On the name, he added: "It places it locally. We're a local maker and have been for 27 odd years, so it's all local fruit, home turf so people can recognise it and associate with it. And obviously then it opens up other avenues for discussion and if they see something in the news about Whyburn it all ticks boxes and you get a thread of thought if you like."

Nottingham CAMRA Cider Officer, Heather Stretton, congratulated the winners, and thanked all of the makers for entering such a high standard of drinks into the competition. She said: "This reflects the quality and diversity of ciders and perries produced in the East Midlands, and it is a pleasure to find them available in so many of our local pubs."

Whyburn can be purchased from Spelt & Rye Bakery & Deli on Annesley Road; The Beer Shack on Derbyshire Lane; Byron's Rest on Baker Street; and Kimberley Craft Ales on James Street in Kimberley.