Slice of the good life for cheese specialists

We can choose between flavoursome Cheddars, specialist goats' and sheep milk cheeses, cheeses with apricots, elderflower seeds.

Then, for those who like to keep up with the in-crowd there are lots of novelties such as cocktails made with liquid cheese and a liqueur.

The annual gathering of the "cheese-making clan" in Nantwich for the International Cheese Awards in July proved to be a resounding success for farmhouse cheese makers. At this highly prestigious event, judging starts early on what is known as the Trade Day, with judges arriving from across the country.

Some are professionals with many years of experience with some of the country's largest cheese makers; others have practical knowledge acquired running delicatessens; all of them are passionate about discovering great cheeses.

This year the Shropshire Blue class was won by Colston Bassett Dairy, with Cropwell Bishop Creamery getting the silver and Long Clawson Dairy winning the bronze.

The dairy also won the supreme championship with a Stilton renowned for its smooth and creamy texture, with a mellow flavour that is made in the traditional way using milk from local farms and then matured for about 12 weeks.

The International Cheese Show is one of the annual highlights for farming businesses such as Lye Cross Farm, as their handmade, lovingly elaborate cheeses compete against 4,500 entries from across the world.

Although the family has been making farmhouse cheese for over 60 years and regularly participates in the cheese shows around the country, competition is always stiff.

This year, the cheese makers at Lye Cross Farm scooped five gold awards in various categories for their mature and vintage cheddar. The team was especially pleased to receive The Barbers 1833 Trophy for the best farmhouse mature cheddar with Protected Designation of Origin status, in addition to numerous prizes in retailer classes.

Managing director Peter Alvis told me: "We are so pleased for everyone involved here at Lye Cross Farm and for our customers who continue to support our quality cheese production. As ever, it is quality milk and our cheese-making craftsmanship that lead to this success."

Another speciality cheese maker, Godminster, amassed two gold awards for their oak-smoked vintage organic cheddar, a silver for their renowned vintage organic cheddar and a bronze for their handmade organic Brie with garlic and chives. It is the first time Godminster has entered its Brie into the awards.

I have been told on good authority that more artisan cheese makers are entering the market every year. What a treat!