A TENBURY company has announced the appointment of its new chairman.

The Lambswick Drinks Company, based at Oldfields Farm near Tenbury and maker of Oldfields Orchard Worcestershire ciders, has appointed Nick James.

Mr James has recently retired from his role as managing director of Pol Roger, the UK subsidiary of famous champagne house Champagne Pol Roger which also represents some of the most prestigious drinks brands in the UK.

Mr James’s interest in craft cider stems back to his roots in north Herefordshire, a famous cider making region, as well as his strong affection for locally made produce.

“I’m delighted to be involved at the start of this exciting new cider venture," said Nick.

"I have been very impressed by the team’s commitment to growing the best cider apples, milling, pressing, fermenting, blending and distributing them themselves.

"Although I am now retired I hope to have a hands on role helping out as a fresh pair eyes and useful sounding board for the future.”

The Lambswick Drinks Company is a sister company to multi-award winning Shropshire brewer, Hobsons Brewery.

Co-director Geoff Thompson from Oldfields has been supplying top quality hops to Hobsons for 20 years and his family has been making cider from their own orchards for 50 years. The team produced their first bottled cider under the Oldfields Orchard label in 2014 and in 2015 it extended the range to include a new keg cider to be known simply as ‘Oldfields’.

In response to Nick’s appointment Geoff Thompson said: “We’re really pleased Nick is joining our team, he has a wealth of experience and his friendly advice is enormously appreciated.”