A craft cidermaker from North Yorkshire has been able to showcase his products in Westminster thanks to an invitation from his local MP Rishi Sunak.

Thornborough Cider, a small-batch producer near Bedale, was asked to take part in a Taste of North Yorkshire day in Parliament.

Small producers from around the county featured in the event attended by Ministers, MPs, food and drink experts and food industry representatives.

Kingsley Ash, who owns and runs the business in a converted barn on a former smallholding in the village of Thornborough, said the day’s event was very worthwhile.

Darlington and Stockton Times: Rishi Sunak MP with Kingsley Ash of Thornborough Cider at the Taste of North Yorkshire event held in Westminster

He added: “It was a great opportunity to showcase our cider and to meet other small producers from around North Yorkshire. I’m very grateful for the chance to show people the quality of what we produce.”

Mr Sunak was among the visitors to Mr Ash’s stall at the event.

He said: “I had the privilege of visiting Mr Ash’s fledgling business in Thornborough back in 2019. I was keen to have Thornborough Cider representing our part of the county at this prestigious event which demonstrated what wonderful food and drink producers we have in North Yorkshire.”

When he visited Thornborough Cider, Mr Sunak had planted an apple tree in the company’s new orchard.

Mr Ash said the orchard had matured since then enabling him to produce more single apple variety ciders like Yarlington Mill, Rosemary Russet and Kingston Black.

His most popular seller is a sparkling cider made using the champagne method which is currently available from a number of Yorkshire farm shops.

Sales to restaurants are also flourishing along with its online sales operation which was established during the Covid-19 pandemic.