CHEESES made at North Yorkshire dairies have been presented to Chelsea Pensioners in a ceremony which dates back more than 300 years.

Wensleydale Dairy Products, based at Hawes, and Shepherd's Purse Cheeses, from Thirsk, gave samples of their produce at the Dairy Council's annual cheese ceremony.

Each year, British cheeses are donated by makers and presented to the pensioners.

The tradition dates back to 1692 when the Royal Chelsea Hospital asked a local cheesemonger to provide the pensioners with cheese as a treat.

The Hawes Creamery gave some of its Real Yorkshire Wensleydale and Blue Real Yorkshire Wensleydale, while Shepherd's Purse sent its Yorkshire Blue.

William Kent, 94, who served in the Royal Artillery, was invited to cut the biggest cheese with a ceremonial sword.

Barry Nicholls, chairman of the Dairy Council and chief executive of Milk Link, said: "The cheese ceremony is very much a part of British history and the Dairy Council is pleased to have been hosting it for nearly 50 years."

Dr Judith Bryans, director of the Dairy Council, said: "We are very grateful to Wensleydale Dairy Products and Shepherd's Purse Cheeses, who kindly donated their cheeses. We are certain that the pensioners will enjoy eating them and all the other wonderful cheeses."

The Dairy Council works on behalf of dairy farmers and processors, as a non-profit making organisation, which is jointly funded by the Milk Development Council and Dairy UK. It provides nutrition information about dairy foods.