LAST week's Nantwich Show proved a record-breaking affair as thousands of visitors enjoyed scorching temperatures at Dorfold Park.

The event, which costs around £450,000 to stage, featured its biggest ever cheese pavilion along with arts, crafts and agricultural shows, spotlighting the best in locally produced produce.

And there was plenty to entertain the crowds including 12 hours of ring exhibitions, bands, children's activities and a monster truck display.

Amongst the winners were Britain's three main Cheshire cheese producers - Belton Cheese Ltd, Joseph Heler Ltd and The Milk Link Cheese Company - who each scooped top awards.

The Milk Link Cheese Company won gold in the Traditional Coloured Cheshire Cheese Class, whilst Joseph Heler Ltd won Gold and Silver in both the White and Coloured block classes.

Belton Cheese Ltd managed silvers in all the traditional and block Cheshire classes.

Nigel White, of the British Cheese Board, said: "We are delighted that the three producers, who are working together to grow the Cheshire cheese market, have won such high accolades for their cheeses.

"We are all striving to get this traditional British favourite back on the map in its North West heartland by encouraging people to give their local cheese a try."

The Cheese Company, the UK's second largest cheese manufacturer and part of leading farmer owned co-operative Milk Link, won a total of 36 awards.

Managing director Neil Kennedy said: "The Nantwich International Cheese Show is especially important to us, as the awards represent the pinnacle of cheese making.

"This remarkable performance reinforces our position as one of the most innovative and quality-focused producers of cheese in the UK market.

"It is particularly pleasing to have won so many gold awards, with such high commendation for our specialist regional cheeses."