A FAMILY-run business is celebrating success after winning a gold star at the Guild of Fine Food Great Taste Awards.

The Yorkshire Wolds Apple Juice, based just outside Norton, was awarded the accolade for their cloudy apple juice, which is homegrown and handmade on the premise by owners Jane and Jon Birch.

The Great Taste Awards, in London, is the benchmark for speciality food and drink and has been described as the Oscars of the food world.

“We are absolutely thrilled with a gold star accolade from the Great Taste Awards,” said Jane.

“As a small, family-run business in the Yorkshire Wolds, this is the cherry on top of a challenging year.

“It’s really nice to receive an acknowledgement of all the incredible hard work during lockdown and beyond.”

A former primary school teacher, Jane became a full-time mum in 2012, while Jon worked part-time at East Barnby Outdoor Education Centre near Whitby.

Jon had also helped out at pressing time over the past few years at Yorkshire Wolds Apple Juice and when the opportunity came to take over the business in 2018, the couple felt it would fit around their other commitments.

“Like many businesses, we had to rethink and juggle ideas around,” added Jane.

“For example, we created four new flavours using Yorkshire rhubarb, elderflower, strawberries and raspberries.

“It’s brilliant that the hospitality sector reopened in July not only for us, but for them after a horrific year.”

For more information, go to yorkshirewoldsapplejuice.co.uk