THE unique flavour of Wensleydale will be enjoyed by some very special pensioners over this Christmas period.

The Hawes-based Wensleydale Creamery was at the centre of the annual Ceremony of the Christmas Cheeses at the Royal Hospital, Chelsea in London today, (December 4) – after donating some of their of their traditional product for the Chelsea Pensioners to enjoy this festive season.

The ceremony dates back to 1692 when the Royal Hospital asked a local cheesemonger to provide the pensioners - retired veterans of the British Army - with cheese as a Christmas treat.

Ever since, cheesemakers from all over the country have continued the tradition and donated a selection of cheeses for the Chelsea Pensioners.

The donations are organised by the Dairy Council and chairman Sandy Wilkie said: “We are always very proud of the generosity that British cheesemakers show at this time of year donating cheeses to these much-loved war veterans.”

Pensioner Paddy Fox, 80, said: “It is a great honour to take part in this wonderful ceremony.

"I am proud to represent the In-Pensioners here at the Royal Hospital.

"We cannot thank the cheesemakers enough for their generous contributions.”