A WORCESTERSHIRE Cider company is among the best in the world.

Knights Cider Ltd, based at Crumpton Oaks Farm, Storridge, near Malvern, scooped no fewer than five awards at the International Cider and Perry Festival 2001.

Held at the Cider Museum, Hereford, the competition attracted more than 100 entries from around the world and Knights Cider Ltd came first in the Perry category -- a drink made from pears -- as well as scooping a third place prize.

The company also came second in the dry cider category and medium cider category and third in the sweet cider category.

"We were very, very pleased with the awards," said Keith Knight, managing director of the Worcestershire company.

"We have won quite a lot of prizes through competitions in the past but to win five in one competition is a great boost for all the team."

The company, which is on the border with Herefordshire, currently employs 10 people and exports its cider to France, Ireland and America in addition to selling through outlets up and down the UK.

Normally at this time of year, the company tries to encourage people to come and see the apple blossoms and walk through the orchard but the foot-and-mouth crisis has made the visits more difficult.

But it was given a boost when the presentation of the awards coincided with a visit to the orchard by Baroness Jill Knight of Colingtree.

"On a positive note, we have had very beautiful blossoms this year and a lot of sun in the last week," Mr Knight added. "The visit by the Baroness and the awards all helped to give the team a welcome boost."