AN award-winning North Yorkshire business is adding another product to its range after being awarded full organic status.

Shepherds Purse Cheeses has won formal recognition from the Soil Association in time for the launch of it Shire Blue - an organic cow's milk cheese to be sold from selected delicatessens and specialist cheese shops.

Handmade to a recipe devised by company founder Judy Bell, the product will be made from milk supplied by the Acorn Dairy herd, near Darlington.

Gordon Tweddle and his son, Graham, have converted their farm to organic status, according to the standards of the Soil Association. They also deliver their own organic milk and cream, free-range eggs, poultry products and bread from other organic producers to doorsteps around the region.

Mr Tweddle said: "There is a huge demand for organic products and Shire Blue is an excellent example of two local businesses coming together to produce a unique product."

Ms Bell said: I am pleased to be able to add an organic cheese to our range. My original interest in cheese-making was concerned with health foods and allergies, and I know that cheese produced organically will meet a lot of people's needs.''