Actor tries out potato vodka

Ludlow Festival actor Harry Napier has been enjoying a new brand of vodka - one which shares the name of his character in the festival's production of Richard III.

Gourmet crisp manufacturer Tyrrells, which is based at Leominster, has just started selling its first consignment of the drink.

Mr Napier, who plays Tyrell in the play, being performed this week at Ludlow Castle, was among the first to try it during a tasting session at Deli On The Square.

The drink, which has been distilled by Will Chase, the multi-millionaire founder of Tyrrells Potato Chips, is made from potatoes grown on his farm, near Leominster, and has a smoother taste than grain-based vodkas.

It is also being sold in top stores, such as Harrods, Selfridges and Harvey Nicholls, as well as local farm shops and various off licences.

Tracey Colley, co-proprietress of Deli On The Square, said: "We're delighted to have Tyrrells vodka on sale in our shop. It's a drink that people have been asking about for a long time.

"It's a product that's really caught the imagination of our customers."

George Shropshire, marketing director of Tyrrells Potato Vodka, said he was pleased the vodka was now available.