IT was the cheese she always hoped to produce - and now Ceri Cryer’s Royal Bassett Blue has been crowned best in the South West.

The cheesemaker’s latest creation was awarded Best of Cheese by judges at the Taste of the West Awards 2014, who praised its ‘sexy’ ooziness. The creamy delicacy had been her castle in the sky - the dream which sparked her cheese-making venture at Brinkworth Dairy - but has taken nearly six years, on and off, to craft.

“Royal Bassett Blue was the one I wanted to make when I started out,” she said. “I love a softer blue cheese.’’ Over the years, Ceri’s cheeses have received a string of industry accolades, including a silver award for the Brinkworth Blue at the British Cheese Awards 2014 and the coveted Best Territorial Cheese for her Wiltshire Loaf at the British Cheese Awards 2013 – a variety her great grandfather William Collingborn began producing in 1910.

In 2012, after two years of perfecting her recipe, she eventually released her long-desired soft blue – named Royal Bassett Blue to celebrate its Royal title.

“The Royal Bassett Blue is the most labour intensive cheese we make,” she said.

“The ripening takes three weeks. Every week it’s pierced and turned.

“It oozes sexily out of the package, according to the Taste of the West judges.

“Sexy is always what we go for.”

Ceri’s cheeses are available online at www.brinkworthdairy.co.uk or at Purton Farm Shop, Three Trees Farm Shop and Aldebourne Stores.