A SOMERSET cider was crowned 'the people's choice' of drink at last weekend's Bath & West Country Festival.

A medium dry cider produced by Dowding’s of Shepton Montague, near Wincanton, won the coveted accolade at the Orchards and Cider exhibition during the event.

Almost 1,000 festival-goers cast their votes for their favourite cider after being offered a choice of six of the best ciders at the exhibition.

The winning cider was made by Oliver Dowding, who was delighted at the outcome.

“I’m absolutely over the moon, and actually quite emotional," he said.

"We are acutely aware of how tough the competition is so are very humbled to have won this award.

“We would like to thank the Bath & West Show for showcasing these ciders and giving the opportunity for smaller producers such as ourselves valued support.

“We are thrilled to win this award because it was voted for by the public. They are the people that we’re making Dowding's cider for."

Full more details on the British Cider Championships, visit www.britishciderchampionships.com