AN Altrincham farmer has been awarded the prestigious National Trust Fine Food award for his new juice business.

Alan Hewitt, a tenant farmer on the Dunham Massey estate is the proud recipient of the First Time Winner award for his Cox and Bramley apple juice made from the orchards on his farm.

John Keat, a judge at the Fine Farm Produce Awards in Richmond on Thames, hailed the winning entry as ‘a great tasting juice’.

Alan and his family have resided in the Kitchen Gardens of Dunham Hall for 40 years, deciding three years ago to make good use of the apples in the garden.

Alan said: “We sold out of our first 650 bottles of juice in just two months so decided to turn ourselves into a bigger operation.”

“Winning this award is a fantastic achievement. Being the only commercial apple grower and juicer in Greater Manchester is a unique selling point. We are very proud of what we have achieved.”