DRINKS company Westons Cider from Much Marcle, near Ledbury, has won a major award in a competition for family businesses.

It has topped the "new frontiers" category in the Red Ribbon Awards of The Family Business Place, which is a leading resource for the family business sector and making strides to raise the profile and prestige of the family business.

The national Red Ribbon Awards are now in their fifth year and have grown to become a top recognition for family businesses around the UK that recognise the achievements of family-run companies of all sizes and across all sectors.

Helen Thomas, managing director of Westons Cider, said: "It is great to know that everything that we are doing to develop our business and our people has been recognised with this Award and all colleagues should feel proud of this achievement.”

The awards ceremony took place at Goldsmiths’ Hall, London and Anita Brightley-Hodges, managing director of Family Business Place, said: "This year has been another record-breaking year for Red Ribbon Award entries. We have been overwhelmed by the quality and variety of the nominations which just goes to prove there are some real hidden gems out there who deserve to be recognised. It’s no secret that family-run businesses are the backbone of the UK economy. In times of uncertainty they are the last ones to make redundancies, keep a long-term view for the business and stay true to their founding values of integrity, trust and loyalty.”