DELICIOUS handmade cheeses and wonderful local wines and fruit drinks drew plenty of customers to an extra special farmers’ market at Royal Worcester Porcelain.

The Worcestershire Farmers’ Markets Group Cheese And Wine Fayre impressed both the judges and the public as they tasted samples of the fantastic products on offer.

Henry Wormington, chairman of the Worcestershire Farmers’ Market Group, said: “It was a great event – there was a buzz around the market as people enjoyed browsing the stalls on a lovely summer’s day. Our customers enjoyed trying all the samples on offer.

“The drinks and cheeses are all made within 30 miles of the market by small producers who take the time to perfect their produce.

“The judges have a very difficult job choosing the best produce with everyone making goods to such a high standard.”

The cheeses, wines, ciders and juices were judged by John Jenkins, of Mar Goats Farm, a great supporter of locally-produced food; Sandra Payne, local retailer and wine taster, and Lesley Barley, Royal Worcester and Spode retail marketing coordinator.

All entries were of an excellent standard, which made judging extremely close, but the category winners were finally chosen: Best Hard Cheese: Lightwood Cheese – Olde Gloster.

Best Soft Cheese: Lightwood Cheese – Chaser.

Best Goat Cheese: Ansteys of Worcester – Snodsbury.

Best Sheep’s Cheese: Lightwood Cheese – Little Urn.

Best White Wine: Rose Bank Vineyard.

Best Country Wine: Callow Hills – Damson Port.

Best Cider: Pershore College – Organic Cider.

Best Fruit Juice: Pershore College – Cox and Bramley Apple.

Phil Hulland, of Lightwood Cheese, which won in three categories, said: “I try to make distinctive cheeses using traditional artisan methods. All of our cheeses are unpasteurised which makes them a little bit different.”

You can find some of these producers along with a great selection of local meats, fruit, vegetables, baked goods, preserves and more at this weekend’s market in Bromsgrove, from 9am to 5pm.

Next weekend’s market is at Abbey Road, Malvern, from 9am to 2pm.

The farmers’ market website at wfmg.co.uk has lots of information about the producers and where and when you can find the markets, along with all the special events.