A CHEESE made at a family-run dairy has been named among the best in the world, after scooping a prestigious gong at the World Cheese Awards, beating several French and Swiss varieties.

Thirsk-based Shepherds Purse Cheeses has been awarded Super Gold for its sheep’s milk cheese, Mrs Bells Blue, at the event in Sans Sebastian, Spain.

Mrs Bell’s Blue, named after Shepherds Purse founder Judy Bell, is described as having a “sweet and salty, rich flavour that is milder than Roquefort, but packs a punch for blue cheese fans”.

The dairy’s cow’s milk cheese, Bluemin White, developed by Judy’s daughter Katy Matten, also picked up Gold against global competition.

Shepherds Purse’s handcrafted cheeses competed against more than 3,000 entries from 31 countries, which were judged by 266 experts.

Caroline Bell, director of Shepherds Purse, said: “To win Super Gold and Gold at the World Cheese Awards is a tribute to the authenticity and premium quality of our handmade cheeses and the true passion that goes into each and every one.”