A RENOWNED Dales cheesemaker has expanded its portfolio - by launching a new "Yorkshire Cheddar."

Handcrafted using local milk by the Wensleydale Creamery at Hawes the new product is aged for up to 15 months for strength and character.

With cheddar accounting for nearly half of the cheese market in the UK, with a spend of £1.358bn the creamery claims it is the perfect growth area for the business.

Managing director David Hartley said cheddar was a signature British cheese and added: “The ‘Yorkshire’ food brand is fast gaining recognition for its world-class offering – it’s fantastic to be a part of this food movement."