THE maker of Wensleydale Cheese has revealed plans to invest in its visitor centre after predicting turnover would be more than £16m this year.

The award-winning Wensleydale Creamery, in Hawes, North Yorkshire, has seen sales grow year-on-year, helped by animated duo Wallace and Gromit.

Alice Amsden, production director, said turnover to the year ending in March will beat last year's figure of £15m by about £1m.

The company supplies its cheeses to supermarkets Morrisons, Asda, Tesco, Sainsbury's and Waitrose, as well as Marks and Spencer, Fortnum and Mason and Harrods.

Sales have risen with each Wallace and Gromit film release after the cheese was first endorsed by Wallace in A Close Shave.

Last month, Wensleydale Creamery said sales in London had risen 71 per cent year-on-year, while Tesco said in November that sales were up 23 per cent for the quarter.

The sales growth has meant an increase in production. Since the business started in 1992 it has seen output grow from 340 tons of cheese a year to nearly 4,500 tons.

The company recently signed up another three local farmers to provide milk, bringing the total number of suppliers to 34.

Wensleydale Creamery managing director David Hartley said: "We always endeavour to pay a premium on milk drawn from farms in the Dales and take pride in the fact we personally know each farmer, family and their herd.

"We could cut corners, beat down prices and import cheaper milk, but that would run counter to the culture of the creamery.

"Our aim at Wensleydale is to continue to preserve the unique character of the Dales and make great cheese."

The company, which employs about 170 people, said it would invest money in its visitor centre, which has a viewing gallery, shop, restaurant and museum.

"About 100,000 people come to the centre every year to see the cheese being made, for tasting and to use the restaurant," said Ms Amsden.

"We feel it is probably the right time to invest in improving the visitor centre and make the viewing a better experience."

For more information, visit www.wensleydale.co.uk