A top cider maker has expanded its historic mill in Much Marcle.

Westons Cider opened the doors to its brand-new tasting room and shop in the old mill to the public on Tuesday (September 3).

Attendees will now be able to go on behind-the-scenes tours and take part in cider-tasting sessions at the facility.

Launched 144 years ago, the leadership of the company has been passed down through five generations of the Weston family.

The company has said that its move to a larger retail space, which is only a minute's walk from where it all started, will help Westons cater to a larger customer base.

The cider mill has also added Saturday night tours and a private hire facility to its services in efforts to enhance tourism in the region.

This opening coincides with the Autumn harvest - the best season of the cider-making process.

Helen Thomas, managing director at the company, said: "We work closely with local growers to source all our apples from within 50 miles of the mill.

"Simply put, without them, we wouldn’t be able to produce our portfolio of delicious, authentically made ciders.

"The new tasting room and shop provides a place to gather while experiencing the mill and the beautiful countryside that’s at the heart of Westons Cider."

This expansion has come amid a record-breaking year for the cider house, particularly its flagship brands, Henry Westons and Stowford Press.

Data shows that the Henry Westons Vintage SKU continues to enjoy the position of the UK's most popular cider, with more than a bottle being sold every single second.

An opening event earlier in the month was attended by former Gloucester Rugby and England player, Mark Atkinson.

The company is currently run by the fourth generation of the Weston family, and is one of the five biggest manufacturing businesses in Herefordshire by revenue, and has over 250 people on staff.