The head cheese grader for North Downs Dairy in Wincanton, Somerset, the home of Pilgrims Choice cheese, in the spotlight

What makes the West Country "home" to you?

I spend a lot of time driving over the moors and along the coast; I am always blown away by the wild, rugged beauty. The landscape is fundamental to West Country life, be it agriculture, fishing, sport, or tourism. When I am surrounded by this landscape and see others enjoying it, I feel proud to call it home.

How do you relax?

I like to relax with my family in Devon, eat Hocking's ice cream (the best ice cream in the world) on Bideford or Appledore Quay and go to the beach.

When and where are you happiest?

Boxing Day 2008 was really sunny and my family and I put our wet gear on and went down to the beach to run off our Christmas dinner. When we arrived, there were dozens of families playing cricket, walking, kite-flying and eating ice cream. It was a very happy time.

What's your earliest memory?

I guess it must be playing in the heavy snow of the late Seventies.

What makes you laugh?

Apart from the things that my little boys say, my sides split when I watch TV programmes like Max and Paddy.

What do you dream of?

My ambition is to sail across the Atlantic as a crew member on a massive racing yacht. I'm not sure if I will ever get the chance, but you never know.

What is your greatest fear?

Wasps and hornets scare me. I once threw a huge mail-order catalogue at a TV just to kill a wasp – I got into trouble for that one.

What is the most rewarding part of your job?

I love getting other people excited about West Country farmhouse Cheddar, by working with cheese makers, customers and my colleagues to create some delicious products. It's all about the cheese!

What is your worst habit?

Maybe you should ask my wife, but it would probably be shouting at the TV, not emptying my pockets, forgetting to take the rubbish out or leaving the toilet seat up – you know the kind of thing.

What possession could you not live without?

Is Google a possession? I think that Google is such an amazing tool because I use it all the time; I would really miss it if I had to give it up.

What is your greatest frustration?

Real West Country farmhouse Cheddar is protected by law like Roquefort or Parmigiano Reggiano parmesan. This Cheddar is what we call PDO, Protected Designation of Origin and it has to be made in a certain way in a specific place. It frustrates me that some Cheddar on the market is called farmhouse when it has not been handmade. Look for the yellow and red PDO logo to ensure your cheese is handmade in Somerset, Devon, Dorset or Cornwall, like Pilgrims Choice West Country Farmhouse Cheddar.

What is your favourite book?

I really enjoy a good Sunday roast. Friends of ours had a small farm near Donyatt and they would raise the odd pig for us and we would always make the most of it. Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall's Meat Book is fantastic for making the most of a good beast.

What is your favourite word?

Butcombe, as in "I'll have a pint of Butcombe please barman".

What would you choose to eat and drink at your last meal?

A slap-up steak with all the trimmings and don't forget your Pilgrims Choice cheese and biscuits to finish, with a pint of Butcombe.

What or who is the love of your life?

My family, of course.

Who would you invite to your dream dinner party?

In addition to my wife, I would invite Stephen Fry for intellectual conversation and dry wit, Rick Stein to cook, Peter Kay as he is very funny, Judy Dench to set the tone, Jo Brand to destroy the tone and Alan Carr to really cause hysterics.

What law would you introduce if you were in charge?

I would introduce a law which would state that only PDO-accredited cheese can be called farmhouse. Pilgrims Choice West Country farmhouse Cheddar is authentic and handmade on Parkham Farm in Devon by the Willes family.

What single thing would improve your life?

I would like a chauffeur so I could work while driving, without offending the police!

What is your greatest achievement?

Apart from raising two boys, I felt a great sense of achievement after doing a skydive.

What talent do you wish you had?

I wish I could play folk violin like Seth Lakeman.

How would you like to be remembered?

As a kind, family man and world-renowned cheese grader.