CHEESEMAKERS are brie-ming with delight after landing prizes at a national event.

Hampshire Cheeses, based in Herriard, its Tunworth and Winslade products in to the Artisan Cheese Awards which secured Gold status in the soft cheese category and Best in Class respectively.

The annual cheese event takes place in Melton Mowbray and attracts entries from over 100 cheesemakers.

Founder of Hampshire Cheeses, Stacey Hedges, said: “We are delighted by our achievements at the awards. It is particularly significant as these awards are held in such high regard by other cheesemakers.

"It really means a lot to us.”

The award-winning cheeses are made in a purpose-built dairy not far from Stacey’s kitchen, which is where she experimented with her first batch of cheese many years ago.

Their cheeses have attracted global attention and Tunworth has been described as “the best Camembert in the world” by Raymond Blanc.

Other fans include Jamie Oliver who recently introduced the cheese to the menus at his restaurants.