THE Strong family have proved that's just what they are - in ten years they've climbed to the top of the Dorset cider-making world.

And dad Oliver Strong says they've done it by sheer determination.

The family moved to Waytown near Bridport ten years ago and established a name for themselves in the art world with Oliver's sculptures.

But making a living from art has never been easy and with mature apple trees on their land making cider seemed like the perfect counterpoint to the sculptures, said Mr Strong.

The family's Dorset Nectar, a variety of still and sparkling artisan ciders, took a hat trick of honours at the Royal Bath and West Show - receiving both gold, silver and bronze in the organic cider class, making them the Champion British Organic cider for 2016.

Mr Strong said: "This was particularly pleasing because it was the second year running - as we were the the British Organic cider champion last year as well.

"The gold winner was our 'Top O' the Hill' dry lightly sparkling cider, with an image of Bridport's Colmer's Hill on the bottle. Silver was for our 'Wildcat' lightly sparkling cider, named after the legendary Dorset Wildcat. Third place was given to our 'Old Harry rocks' landmark Vintage cider. We also received a bronze for our dry Farmhouse cider.

"The Royal Bath and West Show is the largest cider competition in the UK and the world as far as I`m aware; with more than 600 British and International entries to the cider competitions, so making this quite a prestigious achievement."

Mr Strong said in the beginning other cider makers had been very generous sharing their knowledge, particularly Rose Grant.

He said selling sculptures was more successful in summer and only do well when the economy is good.

The family has five children, two still in school and the others helping with cider, either marketing or actually designing the equipment needed.

Mr Strong added: "Sheer determination is the secret of our success - it must work no matter what, but we love what we do, we love working together, we love working outdoors, pushing the envelope, working outside the box and making things ourselves instead of buying them."

He said they also had a great sense of curiosity about how cider is made.

"We are still intrigued and still learning all the time "The cider makers around us have also been great. When you are in an industry likes this you are one big family . We are very proud of the fact that Dorset is having a Renaissance in cider making."

- wining awards and doing very well. Most of the awards at the Bath and West this year were from Dorset."

Visitors are welcome to visit the cider farm. where there is a tasting room.