The cider industry's leading troubleshooter has had his work recognised by the awarding of its supreme accolade.

Retired industrial chemist Andrew Lea has revived the National Association of Cider Maker's lifetime achievement award for his contribution to the revival in cider's fortunes over the past 20 years.

Andrew spent 15 years refining the craft of cider making at the former Long Ashton research station, near Bristol, before moving on to other jobs in the food sector.

Now, at his home near Didcot, he is only one of two cider makers operating commercially in Oxfordshire.

But the NACM award recognises the way he has used his expertise to help others start up in the cider-making business – including Rose Grant, who won the show's farmhouse cider championship for the second successive year yesterday.

Andrew's specialism has been the development of wild yeast fermentation but writer James Crowden, one of the leading authorities on cider, said his behind-the-scenes contribution to the development of the sector had been "immeasurable".

"With his training he understands the science of cider making and can offer the kind of advice which it would be difficult to buy," he said.