NORTH Tawton's Taw Valley Creamery is celebrating after winning an impressive five awards at the World Cheese Awards, including one gold award.

The creamery, owned by dairy co-operative Milk Link, scooped a gold award for its mild Cheddar. It won silver awards for its medium Cheddar and reduced fat cheese, as well as two bronze awards for its Double Gloucester and vintage Cheddar.

At what is the largest cheese competition in the world, Milk Link's creameries excelled after competing against a huge 2,500 cheese from countries around the world including France, Italy and the USA. Milk Link scooped 25 awards in various categories.

The awards cap off a stellar year for the creamery, which was named the champion UK creamery at this year's Nantwich International Cheese Show.

Commenting on the creamery's success, Milk Link chief executive Neil Kennedy said: 'We are thrilled that Milk Link's cheeses have been recognised on a worldwide level. Taw Valley's awards are a huge achievement and a true reflection of the hard work and dedication that goes into making their cheese.

The creamery has excelled this year, and we're all looking forward to what 2012 will bring.'