Rutland MP Alicia Kearns has urged the nation to buy Stilton after figures released by the Stilton Cheese Makers Association show that sales have fallen by up to 30% as a result of COVID-19.

The decline in sales is as a result of the necessary health measures put in place by the Government.

Stilton is the UK's most popular blue cheese and the only cheese in the UK with a certificated trademark to protect its British heritage.

It can be only made following a time-honoured tradition and most Stilton in Britain is produced by 40 Rutland and Melton farmers.

In response to the pandemic, Stilton cheesemakers have had to reduce the amount of Stilton they are making whilst trying to process all of the milk from the farmers which supply them to avoid wasting it and to support dairy farmers.

Mrs Kearns said: "I ask the nation to back our Stilton producers at this difficult time and make the conscious choice to buy Stilton when next shopping for you and your families.

"This will not only bolster our Stilton cheesemakers but support our dairy farmers who are facing unprecedented uncertainty as a result of COVID-19. Throughout the crisis the British people have stepped up to support local food producers and I thank them for this."

The rallying cry from the MP comes as she hopes to use the All Party Parliamentary Group on Geographically Protected Foods that she established earlier this year to support Stilton producers as the UK returns to full health.