A CHEESE named after Mrs Judy Bell of Thirsk-based Shepherds Purse beat more than 700 others to win the cheese lovers' trophy at the British Cheese awards.

Mrs Bell's Blue is made from ewes' milk and is considered to be a true competitor to Roquefort. Not as salty as the French cheese, it has a peppery taste and smooth texture.

Sarah Jane Evans, associate editor of the BBC Good Food Magazine, praised the cheese. "It is an exceptional cheese: creamy and smooth with a wonderfully long, strong flavour," she said.

Mrs Bell's Blue also won a gold medal in the blue cheese ewes', goat or buffalo milk class to add to awards taken this year