CIDER maker H Weston & Sons is investing in new equipment following an increase in demand.

Sales grew again at the company, based in Much Marcle, near Ledbury, as demand in 2013 rose for brands such as Stowford Press, Old Rosie and Wyld Wood, in 2013.

However, growth was at a slower pace than usual due to a poor summer period and harsh economic conditions.

The firm has benefited from a significant uplift in demand in recent years, as cider has regained popularity across both the UK and abroad.

The company has invested heavily in its manufacturing capabilities since 2010 and now, backed by a £1.3 million bank finance package from Santander Corporate & Commercial, is acquiring additional storage tanks and kegs to meet the increased production, which is three times higher than in 2009.

It can now produce up to 20,000 bottles of cider per hour and the new equipment will allow it to store up to 50 million litres of cider, the equivalent of 20 Olympic sized swimming pools.