A diving instructor has made a big splash in Norfolk since launching a traditional cider business in 2014 and he also offers a tipple with a twist. 

Stephen Manton, who lives in Denver in west Norfolk, is the founder of Downham Cider and he originally started pressing apples from his garden in 2012 to make healthier juice for his two daughters.

But after being called away on a diving trip at short notice, the 30 litres left in his garage began to ferment.

Eastern Daily Press: Downham Cider now has five different varieties Downham Cider now has five different varieties (Image: Downham Cider)

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In September of that year, he decided to turn it into cider and wild yeasts were left to work their magic - with his first cider, called Downham Tickle, ready in March 2013. 

He initially got it stocked at the now-closed Railway Arms pub in Downham Market and in 2014 Downham Cider became a fully-fledged business. 

Fast forward to 2023 and he produces 7,000 litres a year using 11 tonnes of apples from various Norfolk orchards.

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Eastern Daily Press: Tickled Gin is distilled from its traditional craft cider Tickled Gin is distilled from its traditional craft cider (Image: Downham Cider)

He sells five cider varieties, cider vinegar and the unique Tickled Gin - distilled from its craft cider in collaboration with Sunfire Spirits in Great Fransham. 

Mr Manton said: "Customers can taste the difference with the gin, it is a lot smoother and not as harsh but it still has that warm feeling - my next project is apple brandy." 

His cider is stocked at pubs across Norfolk and he also has a mobile bar - see his events calendar and stockists at downhamcider.com