Thousands of visitors will be able to sample the West's tastiest cheese at a show in Somerset today.

Frome Cheese and Agricultural Show will have a selection of the country's finest cheeses, from the strong and pungent to the mild and creamy.

Stalls boasting hundreds of varieties will be on display, and visitors can wash it all down with a selection of the West Country's top ciders, scrumpies and real ales.

A panel of judges had the difficult task of deciding winners for the best cheese prize yesterday, and a mouth-watering hard goats cheese came out on top.

The family-run Quicke's Traditional cheese company, based in Newton St Cyres, near Exeter, scooped the overall champion trophy, with cheesemakers Long Clawson from Derbyshire taking runners-up prize for a delicious organic Stilton.

Show spokesman Pete Corbett said: "The judges have been busy deciding the winners and we have had a presentation lunch.

"However, the winner of the third main trophy is still being decided because there are two cheeses that are very close on points and so they are going to have to be through another test to decide."

Cornwall-base Taw Valley Ltd were also celebrating yesterday after walking away with an armful of silverware for its entries into the smaller classes.

Today will see cattle, sheep, goats and horses paraded as part of the agricultural categories, but there will also be horticultural and vegetable classes on display.

A packed programme will keep visitors amused, including a demonstration by TV chef Lesley Waters, a display from Joseph's Amazing Racing Camels and Cyril the Squirrel and his Terriers.

Mr Corbett said: "New roadways have been laid at the West Woodlands showground, which will make things much easier if it continues to rain, but there is in any case plenty to see and enjoy and eat and drink in the marquees."

Tickets are £10 and £8 for concessions. Children with an adult can get in free.

A free shuttle bus service is running several points in From for visitors who prefer to leave the car at home. Go to www.fromecheeseshow.co.uk for details.