THE MANAGING director of Wensleydale Creamery has been chosen as one of the '100 Faces of the Vibrant Economy 2018.'

David Hartley, who heads the Hawes based company which produces the world famous Wensleydale cheese, said he was "absolutely thrilled" to be included in the elite group of progressive business leaders brought together by global financial services company Grant Thornton.

"It will be great to connect with other like-minded leaders, to share ideas and insights to continue the development of the business community in the UK," said Mr Hartley.

With a turnover of £29million, Wensleydale Creamery employs more than 230 people and plays a vital economic role in the deeply rural area in which it is situated, contributing £14m to the local economy through milk payments, wages and purchases, and it also attracts 300,000 domestic and international visitors annually to its Visitor Centre.