A Kent company is launching an unusual new cheese, made with brandy-soaked cherries, at this year’s Kent County Show.

Cheesemaker Geoff Parker of the Kent Cheese Company, based at Hastingleigh, near Ashford, won’t really know how his Cherry Down Cheese has worked out until it is cut at the show – but he has high hopes for what he calls a niche product.

He said: "It will be a crumbly cheese, mottled with the red juice from the cherries and the brandy."

The cheese will retail for up to £17 per kg and will be on sale at local retailers.

It was first dreamed up by the company’s owner George Jessel and Mid Kent Downs Orchards Officer Pippa Palmar as part of preparations for British Cherry Day on July 19.

It will be promoted on that day by food writer Henrietta Green at London’s Borough Market.

Farmer Mr Jessel started the Kent Cheese Company in January, in a former milking parlour at South Hill Farm.

His full-time cheesemaker, Mr Parker, also turns out tangy Kentish Crown, soft-ripened Chaucer’s Choice and smooth mild Brabourne Brie, as well as a mild goats’ cheese.