A POP star-turned-farmer will feature in a cheese tasting master class in the region as part of British Cheese Week.

Alex James, the former bass player with Britpop band Blur, who now runs a 200-acre organic farm in the Cotswolds, will take part in the tasting, at the Wensleydale Creamery, at Hawes.

Mr James has joined forces with Juliet Harbutt, food writer, cheese expert and creator of the British Cheese Awards, to highlight the diversity and quality of British cheese, during British Cheese Week, which takes place next month.

They have chosen the Hawes creamery as one of their venues to host a master class, featuring a range of local medal and award winners.

The event will be a tutored tasting in the form of a sit down dinner on Thursday, October 2, from 7.30pm.

Places are limited and tickets, costing £37.50, need to be booked in advance.

Mr James, a co-presenter on Radio 4's On Your Farm, will outline his journey from rock star to farmer to cheesemaker, while Ms Harbutt, an excellent speaker, will guide guests through each of the cheeses, matching them with the wine.

After coffee, the couple will mingle with and talk to guests.

David Hartley, managing director of The Wensleydale Creamery, said: "This is a unique opportunity to gain unrivalled access to two acknowledged experts from the world of food and farming.

"For The Wensleydale Creamery to be chosen to host such a prestigious event is a real honour and an accolade, which reflects the quality and taste of our cheeses."

Alex James said: "I am passionate about British cheese and helping promote its quality, versatility, the variety of flavours available and companies which maintain time-honoured production methods."

Ms Harbutt said: "The Wensleydale Creamery produces excellent cheeses and frequently finds its way onto the British Cheese Awards honours list, so it is an ideal venue for our cheese tasting."

For tickets, call Kate Allison, at the creamery, on 01969-667644.