THE Wensleydale Creamery at Hawes has signed up a new Yorkshire Dales dairy farm to its group of suppliers as it further strengthens its commitment to the local economy.

It has thrown its weight behind the Dent family, second generation farmers, and helped them achieve their ambition of reviving a dairy business.

Wensleydale Dairy Products, which owns The Wensleydale Creamery, has awarded a vital supplier’s contract to the Dent family, of Whiterow Farm, in Walden, a tiny ‘v’ shaped valley forming a tributary to Wensleydale, just 12 miles from the Creamery.

This will involve supplying milk from their herd to the Creamery, the home of Real Yorkshire Wensleydale Cheese.

Managing director David Hartley said: “The Wensleydale Creamery is proud to use local farms to supply its milk which helps sustain the surrounding agricultural community and in turn boosts the economy of the Dales.

“Using local milk suppliers is good for the environment, as its helps cut down on food miles and the carbon footprint, as well as the local economy. It also means we get a top quality local ingredient which helps make our cheeses extra special and supports our Real Yorkshire Wensleydale Cheese’s authenticity.”

The contract has enabled Rowland Dent, who runs the farm with his sons, to revive a dairy herd business after concentrating on milk processing and doorstep deliveries for several years.

Mr Dent senior said: “The contract from The Wensleydale Creamery has been vital to us achieving our ambition of reviving the diary herd business. It is fantastic that the Creamery is doing so much to support local farmers.

“On top of that the deal with The Wensleydale Creamery plays a crucial part in championing the growing drive for more businesses to buy local.” The Wensleydale Creamery speclalises in the handcrafting and maturing of traditional cheese, whilst also pioneering innovation, with the creation of varieties such as Real Yorkshire Wensleydale with Cranberries and Wallace and Gromit Wensleydale.