A NEW company based at Churchstanton is relaunching the brand name Taunton Cider.

Miles Gray, from the company, said: “We are proud and excited to be resurrecting this once famous name.

“We want to truly cherish this great brand and will make every effort to build it back to its rightful position, respected in the cider community and enjoyed by cider lovers everywhere.

“We would also like to acknowledge the immense support of our local partners – from the farmers to cider makers who have provided their advice.”

The finest and locally-sourced English bitter sweet cider apples have been selected, specifically classic varieties Yarlington Mill, Dabinett and Harry Masters Jersey.

Taunton Cider was based at Norton Fitzwarren until the 1990s when it was brought up and it moved to Shepton Mallet before the name disappeared.

The factory site at Norton was eventually sold off and converted into a housing estate and the company name appeared destined to be consigned to the history books – until last month.

At its height the firm produced 30 million gallons of cider a year and employed 550 workers in the mid-90s.

First off the press from the new company is Taunton Cider Original, and there are plans to launch two more variants – Taunton Cider Natural Dry and Taunton Cider Traditional – in the coming year.