A CHEESE crafted at the family-run Shepherds Purse dairy near Thirsk has picked up a Super Gold award at this year’s World Cheese Awards.

Harrogate Blue, which was the first cheese launched by Katie Matten and Caroline Bell after taking over the running of the dairy from mum and founder Judy Bell in 2012, was also included on the top table of the best 16 cheeses at the event from more than 3000 entries. It was named Harrogate Blue after the town which Caroline now calls home.

The prestigious prize was awarded at the World Cheese Awards, organised by the Guild of Fine Food, which this year celebrated its 30th anniversary and took place at London’s Tobacco Dock as part of a collaboration with Taste of London.

Shepherds Purse competed against more than 3,000 cheeses from 35 countries around the world.