A NORTH Yorkshire cheesemonger is preparing for a once-in-a- lifetime opportunity to judge one of the most important cheese events in the world.

Sophie Smith, 34, who owns TeaHee! Cheesemonger And Espresso bar in Easingwold, has been selected to be a judge at the World Cheese Awards at the BBC Good Food Show tomorrow.

The cheese enthusiast, who learnt her trade while working at the deli at the Star Inn in Harome, will help judge some of the 3,000 entries and 40 tonnes of cheese at the international competition.

Sophie said: “I’m really excited, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity “The other judges are all cheese boffins. They are experts so I’m feeling quite intimidated, but I still can’t wait for it.”

Sophie won the place at the Birmingham NEC event after entering a competition in which she had to put together her ideal cheese board made up of at least five cheeses. Judges were looking for originality, diversity, knowledge and cheeses that will work well together.

Sophie’s winning cheeseboard consisted of Vacherin Mont D’or from the French Alps, a creamy Cashel Blue from Tipperary, the gouda-like Coolea cheese, Montogomery Cheddar and St James cheese.

Past judges at the competition have included chef Antony Worrall Thompson and former Blur bassist turned cheesemaker Alex James.

John Farrand, from the Guild of Fine Food, organisers of the World Cheese Awards, said: “While there were more diverse cheese boards in the competition, Sophie demonstrated excellent knowledge of the cheesemakers.

“The World Cheese Awards is not only about cheese, it’s about the producer.

“We do not accept entries from major retailers as we want to discover the most diverse cheeses, from small makers across the globe. Sophie’s entry made heroes of the makers, as the awards do – and we liked that.”