BUFFALO are not the commonest sight on the North Yorkshire landscape, but a cheesemaker's success could change that.

Thirsk's Shepherds Purse uses locally sourced water buffalo milk in its Buffalo Blue cheese, which has beaten competition to win a gold award in the Best British Blue category at the World Cheese Awards.

The firm also picked up a bronze award for its Yorkshire Blue in the same category and another bronze for its Yorkshire Feta cheese, the only authorised Feta produced in the UK, in the plain category.

The awards attracted entries from mainland Europe, Australasia and the US.

John Kerwin, sales director of Shepherds Purse Cheeses, said: "We are absolutely delighted to win these awards, especially as we are competing against some of the best cheeses from the largest cheese counter in the world.

"We are very proud of our cheeses and these accolades further strengthen our position as premium quality, fine cheesemakers."