IN a year where athletes from across the globe will be receiving medals for their efforts at London 2012, a vineyard at Northlew has claimed medals of its own.

Eastcott Vineyard is celebrating a fourth year of success at the English and Welsh Wine of the Year competition, organised by the UK Vineyard Association.

The vineyard won a silver medal for its pink sparkling wine, and a bronze for its white sparking wine. The competition is the only one of its kind for UK wine makers, and is judged by a panel from Masters of Wine.

Hilary Waller, who owns the business with husband Richard, said: 'We are delighted that our lovely new pink sparkling wine 'Brut Rosé' has won a silver medal and also our new white fizz 'Brut 2009' has won a Bronze this year.

'Together with last year's bronze awarded to our first sparkling wine 'Brut Zero', this means that all our fizzes have won recognition.'

The vineyard is open all year round for wine sales and guided tours. Call 01837 811012 for more details.