CHEESE makers from France and Yorkshire are being invited to compete in a fun new class at the 156th Great Yorkshire Show, which runs from Tuesday to Thursday.

In recognition of Le Grand Depart’s historic two days in the county, for the first time judges at the Great Yorkshire Cheese and Dairy Show will be asked to choose the best French or Yorkshire-produced cheese.

Judy Bell, chief steward for the cheese and dairy show, said: “In celebration of this year’s Tour de France Grand Depart in Yorkshire, we are inviting French and Yorkshire cheesemakers to go ‘wheel to wheel’ in search of the ultimate cheese. This is obviously very topical and we’ve attracted a good number of entries. We hope it will be a new, fun element to the show which everyone will enjoy."

The new class is one of almost 150 classes in the popular section, which has attracted entries from across the UK and Europe including Greece, Spain, France, Italy and Holland.

Held for the first time in 2002, the section has grown in popularity over the years, and now attracts around 800 entries.

Competitors all have their eye on the show’s ultimate accolade – the chance to scoop the Supreme champion dairy product trophy and rosette – plus a number of other prestigious prizes which are available. these include trophies for best ice cream, best yoghurt, best milk and best dressed dairy product amongst others.

As well as the nod to Le Tour, for the first time since the section was re-launched, visitors will be able to watch the cheese and dairy judges in action.

Judging will take place on the first day of the show, with the trophies awarded on Wednesday.

“I hope that the show visitors will find seeing the judges at work very interesting. Obviously it is a very serious job, and the public won’t be able to approach the judges during their deliberations, but I am hoping that they will be able to share their knowledge and interact a little during the process,” said Mrs Bell.

As well as the competitive classes, the show includes ring displays, demonstrations of country skills, fashion and food shows and hundreds of stands selling everything from designer clothing to combine harvesters.

And among the expected 135,000 visitors and 8,000 animals, there will be two royal guests - HRH The Countess of Wessex will visit the event for the first time on Tuesday, and HRH The Princess Royal will be the guest of honour the following day.