A micro-brewery based in Abbotsley has won national recognition for its cider.

Harding's Cider, which operates from Moor Farm, in Potton Road, scooped the National Gold Cider Award at the Campaign for Real Ale's (CAMRA) National Cider and Perry Championships, held in Reading on May 1.

Andrea Briers, chairman of CAMRA's cider and perry committee will present the award to the brewery at the Cambridge Beer Festival trade session today (Monday).

Harding's '3 Peace Sweet' was described by judges as possessing an aroma of ripe dessert apples, was “a truly 'appley' cider”, and had a flavour that was “fresh and summery with plenty of crisp bite”.

The championships featured ciders from across the UK, with each cider judged on its individual taste, aroma, flavour, after-taste and overall appeal. The top awards were selected by a panel of experienced judges, drinks writers and CAMRA members.

Lee Harding, of Harding's Cider, said: “Many thanks for this prestigious award. Here at Harding's Cider, our philosophy is to keep everything as natural as possible. So you will only find fresh apples and a little sugar in our cider. We believe that you can taste the difference and this award is evidence of that.”

Andrea Briers, CAMRA National Cider and Perry Committee Chair, said: “The ciders that were judged at the National Championships offered a diverse selection and highlighted how drinkable real cider can be. It also demonstrates why more pubs and clubs should be offering real ciders to their customers.”