SPECIALIST cheesemongers are all churned up as they await news of the Great British Cheese awards.

The Courtyard Dairy, near Settle, has been shortlisted in the best speciality cheese retailer section.

And the category winners will not be announced until Wednesday, October 11, at St Pancras Renaissance Hotel in London.

It is the second time Andy and Kathy Swinscoe have made it to the final and this time they are hoping to take the accolade.

The awards are to recognise, promote and reward excellence in the artisan cheese industry and to celebrate the best of British cheese produced and distributed by independent cheese makers and retailers.

The couple set up the specialist cheese shop in 2012 after years working in the cheese industry in France and the South of England.

They specialise in cheeses that are made on the farm and from unpasteurised milk and the business has become an industry leader.

Earlier this year it moved to the former Falconry Centre, between Settle and Austwick, where they also have a cheese museum telling the story of farmhouse cheese, a cheese cafe and cheese-making room for demonstrations and courses.

Kathy said she was thrilled at being nominated. "Since the beginning we've really concentrated on doing a small range but of really special unique cheeses.

"We want to keep farmers that make cheese on their own farm still in business - there are only three in the whole of Yorkshire, so it is nice to see this ethos getting recognised".

Husband Andy praised his suppliers, customers and staff without whom the shop would not exist. "They're what make the place so special - great product and great people." he said.

Over 9,000 people voted in the competition for their favourite cheeses, producers and retailers and only those who received the most votes in each category have been shortlisted for an award.