One of the giants of the Shropshire food industry, cheesemaker Lucy Appleby MBE, has died at the age of 88.

The company Mrs Appleby founded with her late husband Lance 56 years ago – Appleby’s of Hawkstone – today sells its acclaimed Cheshire cheese all over the country including in top London stores like Harrods and Fortnum and Mason.

The mother-of-seven started making cheese in 1952 and oversaw the business’ massive growth in popularity.

Such was the company’s renown that Prince Charles visited the farm in 1994 to see where the famous Appleby’s Cheshire cheese was made.

Lucy and Lance were awarded the MBE in 2000 for services to the food industry.Lucy’s daughter in law Mrs Christine Appleby, who is a director of the business, said: “She had a terrific depth of knowledge of cheesemaking and lots of people would ask her for advice, which she was happy to give. Aside from cheesemaking, she was recognised for her work in the community. She was also a very religious person and never missed chapel at Prees Green.

“She had a very large family and had many grandchildren and great grandchildren.”

A private family service will be held at Prees Green Methodist Chapel.

A service of thanksgiving will be held at St Chad’s Church, Prees, this Friday at 2pm.