The Isle of Man has tickled the tastebuds of judges in a countryside champions competition.

Country lifestyle magazine LandLove has announced the winners in its fourth annual awards.

’Britain’s favourite drinks producer’ was won by Apple Orphanage and ’Britain’s favourite food producer’ was won by Noa Bakehouse.

Filbey’s Bistro came second in ’Britain’s favourite place to eat’ category.

The LandLove Magazine Awards 2017, voted for by readers, received 25,000 votes across 10 categories recognising artisan producers, popular landmarks, wildlife organisations, places to eat and clothing brands, among others. Apple Orphanage, based at Linague on the coast road between Peel and Kirk Michael. received one third of all votes in their category.

Afterwards, the company’s founders, Will Faulds and Charlotte Traynor, released a press statement.

It reads: ’We were so honoured to even be nominated for the Landlove Awards alongside so many absolutely incredible drinks producers.

’The heart of Apple Orphanage is our "fruit exchange", where locals can swap surplus homegrown fruit for our drinks.

’It has neen so rewarding to see this grow year after year, and even nicer to meet some really extraordinary people in the process.

’We continue to relish the opportunity to create delicious, natural drinks made with Manx fruit that everyone can enjoy.

’Thank you so much to Landlove for this opportunity, and to everyone who voted for our little, but ever-growing, apple business.’

Apple Orphanage’s Fruit Exchange is a simple concept the pair have been operating since they started pressing Manx-grown apples ten years ago.

’We were making apple juice and cider for our own consumption and found that friends and family couldn’t wait to give us surplus apples from trees that were producing too much fruit.

’We hate seeing things go to waste so the idea grew from there,’ said Will and Charlotte.

Since then, the couple set up Apple Orphanage, opening up the fruit exchange to residents across the island.

Its popularity has grown and in 2017 the couple pressed more than 30 tonnes of Manx apples for turning into apple juice and cider.

They also accept rhubarb, gooseberries and all manner of locally grown soft fruits, in exchange for your choice of their natural juices and pressés.

Currently Will and Charlotte produce a range of Manx Apple Juices, seasonal Manx fruit pressés including Rhubarb Riot, Gooseberry Twist, Gorse Cream Soda and many more innovative limited edition flavours.

They also produce alcoholic drinks in the form of their Manx Dry Cider and Elderflower Keshal (low alcohol, wild fermented, sparkling wine).

Their products are available at more than 30 independent cafés and restaurants across the island.