1. Cheddar-style cheeses are produced all over the world, including the Republic of Ireland, Canada, the US, New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, Austria and Sweden.

2. The annual records of the British Exchequer from the time of Henry II record the purchase of 10,420lb of Cheddar - costing one farthing per pound.

3. The European Union recognises "West Country Farmhouse Cheddar" as a Protected Designation of Origin - i.e. it can only be produced in the West Country (Devon, Dorset, Somerset and Cornwall).

4. Food colourings are often used to change the colour of Cheddar, Cheshire and Leicester cheeses - for example Annatto seed, which is flavourless and extracted from the tropical achiote tree and makes it more orange, has been used for more than 200 years. Another colouring is carrot juice.

5. In days gone by, cheese rind used to be used to soothe babies while they were teething.

6. Cheese is an important source of protein, B vitamins (such as riboflavin and vitamin B12) and the minerals calcium, zinc, phosphorus and magnesium. It also contains small amounts of vitamins A and D. However, it is high in saturated fat, which raises blood cholesterol, and salt.

7. According to Guinness World Records, the Canadian dairy firm Agropur made a Cheddar weighing 26.09 tonnes (57,508lb 8 oz) at Granby, Quebec, on September 7, 1995. More than 245,000kg (540,000lb) of milk was needed!

8. Cheshire cheese is the oldest Cheddar-type cheese, and the oldest named cheese in Britain.

9. Cheddar is the UK’s favourite cheese, accounting for 55% of the market (300,000 tonnes).

10. A giant 1,000lb wheel of Cheddar cheese was given to Queen Victoria as a wedding gift.