PETER SCHOLLICK is getting used to the sweet taste of success after travelling to London to enter a competition just to test the level of the opposition.

As president of the Richmond and District Beekeepers' Association, his experience of making honey dates back to his childhood.

But what began as a boyhood interest was to become something of a passion and Mr Schollick now travels the region lecturing on the art and judging competitions.

Until this year, he had never tested his own skill against others in the UK so he decided to take part in the National Honey Show in London.

Not only did he win the E Graham Burtt Cup for the best heather section honey, he also took the Sir David Burnett Challenge Cup for the best section honey.

"I only decided to go to dip a toe in the water to see what the competition would be like so I was delighted to win," said Mr Schollick.

"What is even more pleasing is that the challenge cup isn't awarded every year; the judges only present it to producers who they think are worthy of the award." As well as victory in two classes, Mr Schollick also took trophies for two second places in other sections of the contest.