DESPITE last week's decision by the EU Commission that only Greece may produce cheese called feta, there is new hope that Yorkshire feta may win an exemption.

Following meetings between Yorkshire and Humber Euro-MP Edward McMillan-Scott and key EU figures, Mr McMillan-Scott said: "The EU decision was protectionist and arbitrary. Labour is wrong to support it.

"Yorkshire feta has been made near Thirsk since 1987 from 100pc local ewes' milk, as in Greece. When I pointed this out to key EU figures they agreed to look again at the ruling," said the MEP.

His remarks came after meetings with Bertel Haarder, Europe minister from Denmark - which holds the EU presidency - and Franz Fischler, EU farm and fish commissioner.

Most feta is made in Denmark, France and Germany from cows' milk and some is even exported to Greece. Greek feta was given the "protected designation of origin" by the EU Commission because of the supposed "organolepic" qualities of its ewes' milk.

McMillan-Scott condemned regional Labour MEP David Bowe for supporting the EU decision.

"As usual, Labour is backing Brussels against common sense. I intented to win this."

David Moran, managing director of Shepherds Purse Cheeses, which makes Yorkshire Feta, at Newsham, near Thirsk, welcomed the news.

He said: "This is good news. We believe we have been unfairly treated by the EU on this issue.

"All we want is a fair ruling, which will allow us to continue making our traditional Yorkshire feta."

* Letters to the Editor: page 24