HAMPSHIRE Cheeses currently has two huge reasons to celebrate – all thanks to its acclaimed Tunworth Cheese.

Not only has the local producer, based at Herriard and Laverstoke Park, in Overton, just won a super gold at the World Cheese Awards for the Tunworth – making it one of the 50 best cheeses in the world – but it has also been selected by a top chef for TV fame.

A total of 2,781 cheeses from 30 countries were in contention for this year’s awards, and only 50 cheeses were rewarded with a super gold.

This is the latest accolade for the cheese, which has previously been named the Supreme Champion British Cheese.

In addition, the Tunworth Cheese was chosen by Jamie Oliver to join four other British cheeses and go head to head with the best five French cheeses in his new Channel 4 series Food Fight Club, which started last Thursday at 9pm.

Hampshire Cheeses’ creamery is built inside an old cattle barn which was restored to bring it back into use.

Stacey Hedges, the owner of the business, said: “The cheese is named after the little village outside Basing-stoke, and we supply it to local farm shops, businesses and restaurants. It is made from cow’s milk and it’s similar to Camembert.

“I am delighted by this prestigious award. It is a tremendous achievement for such a small company.”

Of her TV experience, she said: “To be picked by Jamie Oliver to represent Britain against France was fantastic.

“We had great fun making the programme – it’s not every day that you get a congratulatory hug from Jamie Oliver.”