SPIRITS are high among staff on a family farm as they celebrate a successful first year in the drink trade.

Celtic Marches was founded in March last year and produces high quality liqueurs from the Wyer Croft farm in Bishops Frome, between Hereford and Worcester.

Co-founder Susan Vaughan has a background in the drinks industry and decided there was a gap in the market to exploit.

After forming, the company launched Number Nine and Bloody Furlong, both of which have proved popular with suppliers and consumers alike.

“We received some great feedback immediately at shows and it was then that we knew we’d made the right decision to set up Celtic Marches,” said Susan. “We hope we have it right as sales have tripled within the last six months.”

The company’s efforts been recognised at the Great Taste awards and with a nomination for a diamond Heart of England Fine Food award.

Susan founded the business with her partner Darren Morris and brother Robert Hancocks, who are both integral to the business, with Darren controlling the company’s finances and Robert in charge of production from his farm.

The family history of growing fruit and hops on the farm goes back more than 100 years and those now working say they are drawing on that heritage and the abilities acquired from a history in the cider and brewing industry.

Susan reserved special praise for the company’s team of 10 full and part-time workers and said the firm was now looking to launch several new brands as well as a cider.