A FAMOUS cheesemaker is to supply a leading supermarket chain with a tonne of cheese a week after an improved agreement.

The Wensleydale Creamery, in Hawes, has substantially increased its supply contract with Sainsbury’s.

The retailer has increased the availability of Real Yorkshire Wensleydale cheese to 366 of its supermarkets.

Real Yorkshire Wensleydale cheese will be available from Sainsbury’s deli counters, with The Wensleydale Creamery supplying the retailer with about a tonne of cheese a week.

David Hartley, The Wensleydale Creamery’s managing director, said: “Landing this substantial increase in business with one of the country’s largest retailers is good news for The Wensleydale Creamery.

It enhances the availability of our brand for consumers and makes our solid business foundations even stronger, while also helping to sustain our local rural economy.

“It also validates our bid to officially protect Yorkshire Wensleydale cheese.”

Securing Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) status will mean that any manufacturers outside the designated Wensleydale area will not be able to produce a cheese and call it Yorkshire Wensleydale.

It is the first anniversary of The Wensleydale Creamery’s application for the status.