BREWER Michael Czarnobaj has been named East Anglian Cider Champ after creating a winning brew using apples from friends and family. Michael s business at Ely s Hereward Brewery is a real family affair with his mother lending a helping hand and his father

BREWER Michael Czarnobaj has been named East Anglian Cider Champ after creating a winning brew using apples from friends and family.

Michael's business at Ely's Hereward Brewery is a real family affair with his mother lending a helping hand and his father providing the equipment.

Now he has been named a cider expert by the Campaign for Real Ale after winning top prize in the first East Anglian cider competition held at the Norwich Beer Festival.

Michael was awarded the accolade for his medium dry cider, described by the judges as: "A pleasantly dry, well-balanced cider with a superb aroma and a complex but somehow gentle finish."

He has been making cider since 2002 with production levels increasing year on year, and said: "Although I do most of the work myself, I couldn't do it without the assistance of my mother and my father who provides the equipment. I would like to thank the people who supplied the apples, also thanks to CAMRA and the judges for this prestigious award."

Fifteen ciders and perries were judged by a panel which included cider experts, enthusiasts and local celebrities.