AN AWARD-winning Thornbury distillery is enjoying some success in the Chinese market place.

6 O’Clock Gin has been making inroads into ‘top tier’ markets in the country.

Managing director Michael Kain said: “We chose China as an ideal overseas market because of the massive and growing middle class.

“Gin is not known to the average Chinese consumer, so opportunity is huge, although it is not without challenges.

“We are still in the early stages, with a Shanghai focus.

"Our second order is on its way.

"The initial reception to our products in top-end bars has been very good, but we need to invest more and continuously for a longer-term strategy.

“We are aiming to be the number one super premium gin in China.”