A WEST Dorset cheesemakers has been recognised for exporting products across the Atlantic.

Ford Farm, a farmhouse cheese maker, has won an award for its international business awareness by scooping a prize at the inaugural CHASE Awards, organised by British American Business (BAB).

The west Dorset business was crowned overall winner for services to export in the medium to growth business category.

Mike Pullin, director at Ford Farm, is delighted to add yet another string to the business' bow.

He said: "The United States is a big country and there are still several regions we have yet to conquer.

"Winning this award will continue to open doors for us and it is great to have BAB supporting us along the way."

The prize was won at the first CHASE Awards to take place, with the event set to become an annual showcase.

The purpose of the awards is to recognise and highlight the very best stories of successful exporting and inward investment in the transatlantic corridor.

The results were announced at a ceremony which took place at One Great George Street in London.

The judges were not just looking for impressive figures. They also wanted entrants to provide evidence of innovation, investment in staff as well as commitment to the local community.

One of the judges commented on Ford Farm's submission, describing it as "a stand-out entry that fulfilled every element of our judging criteria across the board".

The Litton Cheney firm has won several awards for the export side of the business, most recently the Queen's Award for Enterprise 2015.

The farm ships 2,000 tonnes of cheese internationally, 90 per cent of which is exported to the United States. The firm's main export variety is Coastal Cheddar – a 15-month farmhouse cheddar with a characteristic crunch.

Last week, pupils from Thorner's School baked a special cake comprising several tiers of cheese including a giant Coastal Cheddar base which has been hand-pressed by the children during a visit to the farm - as part of The Queen's 90th birthday celebrations.

Last year, managers enjoyed a royal visit to Buckingham Palace to meet the Queen after they were given the royal seal of approval.

As reported in the Bridport News, Ford Farm was given the Queen’s Award for International Trade last year, after its soaring success exporting its cheese across the globe. Managers from the farm were invited to Buckingham Palace to meet the Queen as she congratulated them on their ongoing success.