NORTH Tawton's Taw Valley Creamery was named the champion UK creamery at this year's Nantwich International Cheese Show, winning the coveted Isle of Man creamery award for its Waitrose Mild Cheddar.

The creamery's Double Gloucester was also crowned champion, collecting the Chr Hansen Double Gloucester Cheese trophy. In total Taw Valley took home eight gold awards, four silver awards and two bronze awards. Competing against 3,700 entries from 26 countries, Milk Link's creameries collected a combined total of five trophies and 36 individual awards, including 17 golds.

Milk Link chief executive Neil Kennedy said: 'I am extremely pleased that Taw Valley has performed so well at Nantwich, the pinnacle of the cheese show season. To have such recognition at this year's show is a true testament to the exquisite taste and quality of our cheeses. This success would not have been possible without the talent, skill and dedication of our expert cheese makers and I wish to congratulate them on their well-earned success.'

Earlier this month, Taw Valley excelled at the Royal Welsh Show, winning gold awards for its Mature Cheddar and Extra Mature Cheddar. The creamery won a total of six awards at the show.