APPLEBY Creamery has entered into a partnership with entrepreneurs passionate about high quality food production - and is now looking at expanding into larger premises.

Eden MP Rory Stewart recently visited the firm to find out first hand how its cheese is made and learn all about their forthcoming expansion.

The creamery, established in 2007 by born and bred old ‘Applebians’ and expert cheese makers Maurice Walton, Alan Mandle and Bob Parmley, employs five full time members of staff and four part time.

But this is now set to increase during 2016, after the creation of new firm, Cows & Co Group.

It was founded by Dumfries and Galloway dairy farmer Mark Callander and Cumbrian business consultant Stuart MacLennan, who later brought in Appleby Creamery director, Mr Walton, and more recently, marketing consultant, Pete Crouch.

The Cows and Co cheeses are made from milk entirely from Mr Callander's herd of traditional Ayrshire cattle, used because the composition of their milk is ideally suited to cheese production.

The creamery currently processes up to 300,000 litres of milk per year to produce 14 different cheeses and the rapid success of the Scottish arm of the business means that they must now consider moving to larger premises.

The proposed new unit will be purpose-built to the rear of the Cross Croft Industrial Estate, from which they already operate, and will allow the creamery to produce its cheese on a larger scale, without compromising quality.

As part of its business plan, Cows & Co identified the need for a renewable energy strategy that would create a cost-effective means of generating both heat and power.

The planning process to install a new biomass boiler is currently underway, as part of a wider project to extend the industrial estate which is owned by local businessman, John Cannon.

Mr Stewart said: "I am thrilled to see a small, local business taking advantage of a growing, strengthening economy by joining forces with energetic business partners and flourishing as a result.

"This cross-border approach will provide mutual benefit for both sides; creating opportunities for skills development and investment, and promoting economic growth and competition."

Mr MacLennan added: "We are focused on bringing together the best forward thinking farmers and artisan businesses from across the whole of borderlands to grow sales and opportunities throughout premium UK export markets."