CIDER and perry makers from across the globe descended on Hereford last week to go head-to-head in an international competition.

Despite entrants from France, Germany and Poland, it was Oliver's Cider and Perry based near Bromyard who took the crown as overall champion with their in-bottle fermented perry.

The annual International Cider and Perry Competition at Hereford Cider Museum was set up in the early 1980s when there were few events around.

A total of 189 entries were received from 42 cider makers throughout England, Wales, France, Germany, Poland and the United States for the competition on Wednesday, May 15.

Museum director Elizabeth Pimblett said: "Many congratulations to this year's overall champion Oliver's Cider and Perry. A winner with a gorgeous in-bottle fermented perry.

"2019 was, it seems, the year for Wales. We had so many Welsh winners this time. We were also delighted that a first-time entrant from Poland won the speciality category for their iced cider.

"The judges made a strong, calm team and powered through the large number of entries. Many thanks to Gabe Cook, Helen Woodman, James Forbes and Andy Hallet.

"Finally, the Cider Museum wishes to thank its wonderful staff and volunteers including the trustees who made it run like clockwork, and all the cider entrants who stayed and participated in the cider social."

Other Herefordshire companies had success in the culinary cider classes, Mayfayre Cider and Perry from Upper Dormington won best dry cider and Ledbury-based Once Upon A Tree triumphed in the medium/sweet category.