A CHEESEMAKER that fast-tracked a new product to help sheep milk farmers affected by the pandemic has secured listings at two major supermarkets.

Thirsk-based Shepherds Purse brought forward the launch of its new feta-style cheese 'Fettle' in a bid to keep orders flowing for its milk suppliers.

And now the family-run company has secured listings at 65 Morrisons and 18 Booths stores for Fettle.

Shepherds Purse is also in talks with other retailers who are working hard to get the product listed to help the sheep milk farming industry survive the devastating impact of Covid-19 on their livelihoods.

Caroline Bell, MD, said: “We are delighted to announce the first listings of our new format Fettle cheese with Morrisons, Booths and through our independent customer base and we’re hopeful that it will give our sheep milk farmers confidence to keep producing.

"We have also been able to un-furlough some of our staff to produce the cheese, which is great news in these uncertain and challenging times."