What started as a fun task with a friend turned into a fully-fledged family affair for Scratby cider maker Russell Watson.

For the past 14 years, Mr Watson has been at the helm of the award-winning East Norfolk Cider from its base near Beach Road.

Using the traditional rack and cloth method, Mr Watson presses over 3,000 litres of apple juice and cider every year in the village near Great Yarmouth.

"It all started as a thing me and my mate did for my wife's 40th birthday party," Mr Watson said.

"We got a load of apples from my mate's father-in-law's orchard, made a batch of cider and it went from there."

Great Yarmouth Mercury: Archie and Russell Watson in their pressing room at East Norfolk Cider. Picture - Denise BradleyArchie and Russell Watson in their pressing room at East Norfolk Cider. Picture - Denise Bradley (Image: Denise Bradley)

This first taste of cider making gave Mr Watson the idea to produce more and more of the drink, trying different varieties of apples to tantalise the tongues of thirsty drinkers.

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Now, with his eldest son Archie joining the team - and his youngest son Dylan ensuring the orchards are in the best of health - cider has become a family passion.

But the labour of love is still full-on work for the Watson family.

Great Yarmouth Mercury: Russell Watson by the award-winning 'Normal 4pc Norfolk' cider. Picture - Denise BradleyRussell Watson by the award-winning 'Normal 4pc Norfolk' cider. Picture - Denise Bradley (Image: Denise Bradley)

"We were pressing all the way until November," said Mr Watson.

"It was tough going at times, but we all pulled together. We all had a great time going to the Christmas markets in the area, helping spread the merry mood.

"It's a cyclical business, so it's a bit quiet now. We're using the time to catch up with labelling and getting the tanks set up for the upcoming crop."

Great Yarmouth Mercury: 'Normal 4pc Norfolk' won the Best Cider at the Beccles Beer Festival and the East Anglian Cider of the Year in 2022. Picture - Denise Bradley'Normal 4pc Norfolk' won the Best Cider at the Beccles Beer Festival and the East Anglian Cider of the Year in 2022. Picture - Denise Bradley (Image: Denise Bradley)

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Last year, the Scratby cider firm bagged awards for Best Cider at the Beccles Beer Festival and the East Anglian Cider of the Year. 

The Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) said East Norfolk Cider's successful 'Normal 4pc Norfolk' drink "wowed the judges" with its lower alcohol content and a blend of culinary and dessert apples.

For more information on East Nortfolk Cider, search for 'East Norfolk Trading Company' on Facebook or visit www.eastnorfolktrading.co.uk