THE Chelsea Pensioners have been able to sample the finest cheeses from Appleby Creamery who donated a generous portion of two of their finest products to the annual Ceremony of the Christmas Cheeses.

The Creamery sent 4kg of their Eden Chieftain Cheddar and Black Dab Blue cheeses to the ceremony, which sees cheeses from all over the country sent as an annual seasonal gift to the Royal Hospital in Chelsea.

“There’s no better time than the annual Ceremony of the Christmas Cheeses to honour our brave veterans as well as celebrate the great taste and nutrition of cheese, along with our excellent cheesemakers,," said Dairy UK chair Paul Vernon.

The ceremony has taken place for more than 300 years, beginning in 1692 when a local cheesemaker was asked to provide a Christmas treat for the veterans at the hospital.

The tradition also recognises the role of cheese rations in providing nutrients to British soldiers over the years.