JUDY Bell has won a prestigious national award for her allergy-friendly cheeses.

Judy started Shepherd's Purse Cheeses on her family farm in Thirsk in 1987, when she realised a growing number of people were allergic to conventional dairy products.

So despite having worked as an osteopath for many years, she decided to try her hand at cheesemaking.

Her allergy-friendly range, which includes sheep's cheese, the famous Yorkshire Blue, and buffalo milk and organic products, has now earned her the Great British Food Award at the NFU's Farming Excellence Awards. The company is no stranger to awards. In 2001 alone Shepherd's Purse Cheeses won five gold medals. NFU president Tim Bennett said: "Judy has shown the success that can come from spotting an opportunity and pursuing it with determination and flair to make a product that consumers love."

Judy was presented with a cheque for £1,000, a certificate and a farm gate plaque by Ian Merton, director of fresh and convenience foods for Sainsbury's, who sponsor the awards.

Updated: 12:03 Monday, March 15, 2004