Shropshire’s cheese producers are celebrating success at the International Cheese Awards in Nantwich.

Belton Cheese in Whitchurch, Appleby’s Cheese, based in Prees, and Reeces in Malpas had their hands full after picking up a staggering number of trophies yesterday.

The companies won a string of gold, silver and bronze awards at the 114 year-old event.

Belton Cheeses’ gold successes included single farmhouse/traditional red Leicester cheese and single mature cheddar cheese – white or coloured.

Gold awards won by Appleby’s Cheese included best showdressed farmhouse/traditional cheese and single farmhouse/traditional Cheshire cheese – coloured.

Reeces gold awards included single farmhouse/ traditional Cheshire – white and single farmhouse/traditional Caerphilly cheese.

An April 2010 cave aged cheddar from Dorset-based Ford Farm was crowned Supreme Champion.

Meanwhile, the Long Clawson Dairy stilton was judged the Nantwich Reserve Supreme Champion, and the ULN brie was judged Supreme Champion Overseas. Asda won the Supreme Retailer Award.

The Cheshire event saw thousands of exhibitors and traders pack out Dorfold Park for the judging and trade day yesterday which featured a appearance by celebrity chef James Martin.

Actor turned cheese-maker Sean Wilson, better known as Coronation Street’s Martin Platt, was also at the show with his range of cheeses.

About 600 cheese makers, from tiny artisan producers to big brands, displayed and allowed visitors to sample their wares at the event.

Richard Paul, show chairman, said: “We had 3,700 entries in all, which is a record, and the standard across the board was extremely high.

“But select they did and Ford Farm is an extremely deserving Supreme Champion. It, and all the category winners and runners up, can now feature a gold, silver or bronze International Cheese Awards label on packs.”

More than 30,000 visitors were expected to attend the show today featuring stalls and displays of flowers, vegetables, and fruit.

Also featured was 12 hours of displays, from show jumping, heavy horses, cattle, sheep, dogs, falconry and gundog displays and jazz music.