PORTSLADE couple Chris and Rosemary Knox have won a top accolade in a national food and drink industry awards.

Gran Stead’s Reduced Sugar Fiery Ginger Wine took first place in the reduced/lower sugar ambient category at the Good Choice! Quality Food Awards 2017.

The awards took place at the five-star Grosvenor House Hotel in Mayfair.

Chris said: “We are both overjoyed that our drinks have been recognised by the judges of these distinguished national awards.

“We have been shortlisted twice before but this is the first time we have won and we are over the moon.

“We can’t wait to put the winning logo on our labels.”

The awards recognise those products which excel in both taste and as “better choice” options.

A 24-strong panel of judges took three days to assess more than 200 products, judged for taste, flavour, texture, aroma, ingredients, innovations, packaging, presentation and price point.

The company has also been shortlisted for the Sussex Food and Drink Awards.