A care home celebrated National Cheese Lovers Day by holding a special tasting and wine pairing session.

The staff and residents at Rowanweald Residential and Nursing Home, in Weald Lane, sampled a selection of cheeses before ranking them in order of preference.

English Cheddar pipped Dutch Gouda to the crown, with the cheeses rated on taste, smell, texture and as an accompaniment to a cracker.

Brie, Gruyere and Stilton were some of the others put to the test as those taking part also enjoyed a glass of wine to maximise the experience.

Rosie McGlone, activities leader at the home, explained that while the winning cheese was hardly a surprise, it was far from a foregone conclusion as everyone enjoyed the range of flavours.

She said: “Who knew finding the perfect cheese could be so tricky? Our residents had a wonderful time sampling and judging the cheese, not forgetting the wine too.”