AWARD-winning cheesemakers Ansteys of Worcester is hoping its new business venture will soon take root -- despite the foot-and-mouth crisis putting the business on hold.

The Broomhall firm, which presented the Queen with a hamper of Old Worcester White and Double Worcester cheese when she visited the city in March, has moved its business to St Peter's Garden Centre -- and managed a celebrity cookery slot.

Following its royal assent, TV chef Gary Rhodes has featured the company on his 11-week BBC2 show.

"He's been focusing on individual courses for each show," said owner Alyson Anstey, who runs the business with her husband Colin.

"I was filmed with Gary for the savouries section.

"We talked about the importance of a balanced British cheeseboard and the versatility of cheese as an ingredient in savoury dishes.

"It was great fun to be part of. How different it is to what you see on the programme -- they even have a different kitchen.

"But we had a really good chat because we're both passionate about food."

The Ansteys who, at last year's British Cheese Awards won gold and silver awards for the duo they presented to the Queen, have now expanded their range.

And, to thwart the problems posed by foot-and-mouth, they have moved to pastures new.

"It's been a difficult few months," Mrs Anstey admitted.

"Although our customers loved to see the cows and the calves at the farm when they were buying their cheese, we're a dairy farm and we've got to be sensible.

"Having outsiders coming in would leave us wide open to infection.

"The move to St Peter's is a permanent one. It's only just up the lane from us."

The Ansteys' section will continue to sell hand-made cheeses alongside crusty bread and pickles for gardeners' lunches, as well as gourmet delights such as salami, home cured ham and pates.

"I've got a friend in Parma, Italy, who makes parmesan cheese and cures Parma ham, so we're sourcing his produce and turning the shop into a delicatessen," Mrs Anstey added.

A collection service will still be provided at Broomhall Farm for pre-booked orders and its mail order gift and hamper service will remain unaffected.

St Peter's Garden Centre is planning an open day, complete with barbecue demonstrations and cheese tastings, this Saturday and Sunday.