CHEESEMAKERS from North Yorkshire have teamed up with a national bar chain to serve up a new garlic and Italian herb creation across the country.

Six months in the making, the new soft cow's milk cheese has been made by Thirsk-based Shepherds Purse exclusively for the Slug And Lettuce's wine bar and will served on rustic bread with red peppers and sun blushed tomatoes.

The Slug And Lettuce, which is owned by the Laurel Pub Company, has introduced the new cheese in its 46 bars, including those in York and Harrogate.

Shepherds Purse won the contract to supply the cheese in 425 gramme half moons, after its recent providing the pub firm with its award-winning Yorkshire Blue for a selection of dishes.

Updated: 10:46 Wednesday, December 07, 2005