A CHEESE expert who has worked in the industry for more than 30 years has been honoured with a national award.

The British Cheese Board has presented the prestigious Nantwich Show Cheese Industry Award to Norman McCallum, a cheese grader from Hawes.

Now in its seventh year, the award recognises an individual who has made an outstanding contribution to the cheese industry in the areas of cheese making, grading or quality control.

Mr McCallum started work in the industry in 1983 in various roles within the Hawes Creamery.

On its closure, he moved to Settle Creamery briefly before moving back to Hawes after its management buy-out in a middle management role.

He quickly moved into the grading area where his eye for quality and his close relationship with the cheese-making team has helped the creamery to grow.

“It is an honour to be awarded with this accolade,” he said.

“I feel very privileged to have been recognised in this way and that I’ve had the chance to work and develop within an industry that I feel so passionately about.”

British Cheese Board secretary Nigel White said Mr McCallum has made a significant contribution to the industry over the years.

“Norman is well respected and liked by colleagues and customers at the Wensleydale Creamery, but is often one to shy away from the limelight and underestimate the esteem in which he is held by his peers,” he said.

“He is truly committed to maintaining and improving quality through process development and researching new methods and techniques, with his team commenting that he has ‘Yorkshire Wensleydale running through his veins’.”