A limited-edition cider made right here in Bridport has been hailed a UK first.

The ‘Pink Elderflower Cider’ is a collaboration between Bridport catering manager James French and family-run cider farm, Dorset Nectar.

It was created after James planted some ornamental ‘Black Lace’ Sambucus Nigra and ‘Black Beauty’ elderflower shrubs in his back garden in Bridport.

He was so taken with the scent and beauty of the plants that he decided to plant even more of the shrubs.

He then approached his friend Ryan Strong, of Dorset Nectar Cider Farm, to ask if, together, they’d be interested in making a pink elderflower cider using their Dorset-grown organic apples together with the juice of the Black Lace elderflower.

Not long after release, the cider has proved extremely popular and has completely sold out.

Dante Strong, cider maker and engineer at Dorset Nectar, said: “We have fully run out. Only 1000 bottles were made which is quite a small batch as it is a limited edition.”

Mr Strong said: “The ‘Pink Elderflower Cider’ is a first here in the UK cider industry, the black elderflowers are incredibly special because they have this beautiful fresh and floral aroma that makes you think of a summer evening in the garden - Both taste and smell are a little more pungent than the usual white elderflower too.

“James is marvellous to work with, always curious and willing to try new things, he’s known locally for his innovative ideas in the hospitality industry."

James added: “My young daughter Juno loved being part of the growing of the Black Lace Elderflower - and even helped me to handpick the pink blossoms too.”

Dorset Nectar hopes to be able to produce another limited-edition batch next year as there is only a limited amount of the pink elderflower available.