YORKSHIRE has always been a big cheese in the cricketing world – but now the position is official.

The makers of Wallace and Gromit’s favourite treat, Wensleydale cheese, have teamed up with the county cricket side for the next three years.

The Wensleydale Creamery, in Hawes, has become an official partner of Yorkshire County Cricket Club until 2016.

The deal will see the historic cheesemaker’s logo displayed on the side and back of the Yorkshire players’ shirts in all forms of cricket.

As well as getting a number of branding rights including tickets, merchandise and a prominent sponsor board in the North-East stand at Headingley, the cheese will be sampled by Yorkshire’s players and fans at home fixtures throughout the season.

And the deal will also become part of a major marketing and PR campaign by the Wensleydale Creamery during the club’s 150th anniversary season.

The creamery’s managing directyor, David Hartley, said: “Our cheese was first crafted in the 12th century by a group of Cistercian monks who settled in Wensleydale. Today, the inimitable taste of our cheese still comes from our handcrafted traditions that only the Yorkshire Dales can offer.

“We are proud of our Yorkshire heritage and see our new partnership with Yorkshire County Cricket Club as a perfect fit for the brand. As a company with Yorkshire at our heart, we look forward to working with a great, Yorkshire sporting institution and its loyal fan base.”

And the club’s commercial director, Andy Dawson, added: “We are delighted to sign a partnership with a well-known, international brand that stands for Yorkshire authenticity and quality.”