A CHEESEMAKER is taking a stand against the pressures of international competition by signing up to a deal to supply Tesco supermarkets nationwide.

Shepherds Purse, based in Thirsk, has launched new pre-packs to meet a growing consumer demand for its best-selling Yorkshire Blue product.

The firm has built a new dairy, aided by a grant from the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra)'s rural development service, to meet new production levels.

The new line went on sale in Tesco outlets this week.

Katie Bell, marketing manager, said: "Our Yorkshire Blue is real competition for foreign imports such as Roquefort, St Agur, and Dolcelatte.

"We believe customers want to buy British quality."