RIBBLE Valley milk will soon be turned into products including cheese and creme fraiche, in a move by the area's dairies.

Bowland Fresh milk was the brainchild of a group of farmers who teamed up to produce local milk to be sold to supermarkets, including seven of Asda's Lancashire stores.

Now the producers, who run the operation through a Gisburn-based firm, Connect Plus Ltd, have plans to produce their own products including creme fraiche, and have also signed a deal with Booths supermarket to supply milk to be turned into cheese by the firm.

The move comes as Bowland Fresh, launched in 2002, has scooped a top industry award from the Milk Development Council, for innovation.

William Slinger, director of Connect Plus Ltd, said: "All we have sold up to now has been milk but we are now supplying cheese.

"It allows us to make more milk and allows Booths to demonstrate their commitment to a lot of producers.

"As a company we are looking to launch a range of creme fraiche and yoghurts. That is at its early stages at this time."

The firm produces ten million litres of milk a year, some of which is used to produce cheese, and the amount produced is steadily growing.

The operation was set up by 15 farmers around the Ribble Valley, but there are now 20 involved.

Mr Slinger said: "It's nice to be recognised by the industry. It has taken us a year or two to reach this stage.

"As always it takes a lot of hard work to get there but the fact that it has been recognised is a great boost for the area.

"Not just for ourselves but all our customers who have supported us as well."

Brian Peacock, chairman of the MDC and the judging panel for the award, explained: "The winner of the inaugural marketing award earned this accolade for demonstrating the spirit and vision which will ensure the longevity of the smaller British dairy farmer.

"Founded by a small group of farmers with the aim of developing a secure market, Connect Plus Ltd approached leading regional retailer Booths and created Bowland Fresh Milk to meet the expectations of the retailer, the demands of the consumer and the needs of the producer."