A DALES farm, which became the first in the country to produce an Icelandic-style yoghurt, has scooped two accolades at the Deliciously Yorkshire Taste Awards.

Hesper Farm, in Bell Busk, saw off competition from across the country with its super-nutritious 'skyr' - a creamy dairy product which is high in protein and calcium but low in sugar, with zero fat.

It was launched as farm diversification scheme by Sam Moorhouse, 22, whose family has farmed locally for generations, and he travelled to Iceland to get expert advice from dairy engineer Thorarinn Sveinsson.

Sam said: "We're incredibly proud to have won two such fantastic awards.

"It has taken a lot of work to get here and we're so pleased that as well as being received so well by our customers, we've also been recognised by the industry. We want to thank everyone for their support so far."

The farm took top honours in the category for the best ice cream or yoghurt and made history by becoming the first yoghurt maker to take the title.

The judges said: "Sam now produces a variety of flavours from a purpose-built dairy using milk from the family's pedigree herd. As well as a fantastic natural colour and creamy thick texture, we were impressed by the product's flavours and fruit. A fantastic product all round."

And Hesper Farm's Blueberry Skyr won the highest accolade of the evening - the Supreme Product Award. The winner is selected from all the category winners, with the judges looking at not only taste and appearance, but also the packaging and story of the product.

The judges said: "This year's winning product, Hesper Farm Skyr, was felt by the judges to be head and shoulders above its competitors given its overall quality in terms of taste, but also its fantastic packaging and inspiring back story.

"We applaud the brand's fantastic, modern packaging and wonderful brand identity that really reflects what they are trying to achieve.

"This product is a stand out amongst its competitors. A really impressive business that was only launched this year and the passion for the product and the way in which it is produced its evident throughout. We are absolutely delighted that this product has come out on top and is a fantastic showcase for the innovative and creative producers throughout Yorkshire - we think it is quite simply fantastic."

Since launching in June, Hesper Farm Skyr is sold at farm shops, including Keelham Farm Shop in Skipton and the Town End Farm Shop in Airton.