LITTON Cheney cheesemakers Ford Farm, have once again come up trumps at this year’s National Cheese Awards at the Bath & West Show 2011, winning a total of seven awards.

In addition to six awards, the farm was also presented with a trophy for the Best Presented Cylindrical Cheese class Asked to reveal the secret behind his winning formula Martin Crabb, head cheesemaker at Ford Farm, was unwilling to reveal his trade secrets: “Our techniques for presentation are kept firmly under lock and key. We must be doing it right as in the past 10 years, we have picked up this trophy seven times.”

Golds were achieved in two classes. One was awarded to Ford Farm’s traditional Farmhouse Cheddar in the Best Cylindrical Cheddar class and another to Dorset Red in the Best Smoked Cheese class. “We are particularly thrilled about this award,” said Martin. “We believe that smoked cheese is about to really take off in this country and getting another Gold for Dorset Red is just further proof to us that our variety is destined for big things.”

Silvers were awarded to Ford Farm’s entries to the Best Traditional Cheese class and the packaging class for hard cheese. Bronzes were awarded to Ford Farm’s Mild Cheddar in both the block and cylindrical classes.

Martin added: “It’s been another great year for us. This is the first in a spate of cheese shows through the season and we hope to pick up many more.”