A COUPLE who set up an artisan cheese business as a retirement venture have received another top award.

Brian and Esme Dedman started making cheese at their farm on the outskirts of Hilton in Teesdale, County Durham, as a hobby in 2011.

However, their creations, Teesdale Blue and Hilton White, proved so popular, the pastime soon became a successful enterprise, Leaside Cheesemakers.

As well as receiving rave reviews from their many customers at farmers markets, shops and restaurants across the region, the couple have won numerous industry prizes.

This week, they triumphed yet again at the World Cheese Awards in London, with Hilton White, a European style mould ripened soft cheese, scooping a silver award.

Mr Dedman said: “We are surprised but delighted at the news. Hilton White also won best in its class at the Yorkshire Show and was awarded two stars at the Great Taste Awards so it has been a fantastic year for us.”

Mrs Dedman added: “We enter these competitions because we really value the judge’s feedback. To win an award is the icing on the cake.”