Colston Bassett is the big cheese at World Cheese Awards

This year has been quite a year for one of Nottinghamshire’s finest producers. Steeped in tradition, Colston Bassett Dairy, based in the rural heart of the Vale of Belvoir, has been marking its centenary this year and is known around the county, the UK and indeed the world as one of just a handful of suppliers of Stilton and Shropshire Blue cheese. The dairy has been the focal point of many celebratory events across the course of 2013, including a thanksgiving church service in April, the Colston Bassett Village Day in June, as well as a fireworks event in early November. The entire community of Colston Bassett has come together throughout the course of the year to mark this very special anniversary. The Shropshire Blue cheese was awarded a place in the top 50 at the Great Taste Award 2013 - after being awarded three gold stars. With roughly 10,000 entries to the awards, and only 125 of them taking home this coveted prize, Colston Bassett can be thoroughly proud of their performance. As if this wasn't enough, their Stilton took home a two gold star award, and was named the Best British Cheese at the World Cheese Awards. The Stilton also won a Supergold which meant that the cheese was in the final mix for the World Champion title. Earlier in 2013, Colston Bassett Stilton came top in a class for Stilton at the Nantwich International Cheese Show in Cheshire. Billy Kevan, the Dairy Manager, said: "We know that we are doing the best that we can to produce top quality cheese and we are really pleased to be recognised for this." All in all, a very tasty haul for the local dairy, making headlines and continuing the fine traditions that all began 100 years ago. Billy added: "It is not just a celebration of the cheese being made for one hundred years but the fact that the farmers and villagers involved in the Colston Bassett Dairy Committee have worked together co-operatively for this length of time. The important thing is that we keep making outstanding cheese and looking after our customers. Colston Bassett Dairy is a part of the whole community - and our Stilton and Shropshire Blue cheese is something that we are all very proud of!" Colston Bassett is well worth a visit for anyone who appreciates the fine taste of Stilton and Shropshire Blue cheese, and the working farm has its very own shop where visitors are able to purchase their award-winning produce. Alternatively if you're out and about in Nottingham and the county, you can pick up or try their cheeses at Delilah Fine Foods or Thaymar Farm Shop & Tea Room. We would again like to say congratulations to the team at Colston Bassett and long may their success and fine cheese making traditions continue to deliver very tasty produce, appreciated the world over! For more information, please visit the Colston Bassett website and to see the full list of results from the World Cheese Awards, visit the Guild of Fine Food website.