HAMPSHIRE cheese makers are providing the centrepiece for an event to celebrate the Queen’s birthday in Germany taking place today (June1).

Southampton Airport airline bmi regional and Lyburn Cheese have teamed to help the British Consul in Munich celebrate the monarch’s big day in style.

On a recent trade mission to Munich where representatives from their airport met consulate staff, it was decided that a suitable offering for Her Majesty would be a special seven tier “cake” from award-winning Hampshire cheese.

The cheese cake will be flown over to Munich on the new bmi regional route from Southampton.

Mike Smales, of Lyburn Cheese, based at Landford, has been co-ordinating the construction of the cake which Salisbury, Basingstoke, the Isle of Wight, Dorset and Reading. In addition Lyburn’s Old Winchester and Lightly oake smoed varieties the cake includes: Rosary Goat made by Chris and Clare Moody at Rosary, Landford Isle of Wight Blue made by Richard Hodgson of Isle of Wight Cheese at Queen Bower Dairy, SandownTunworth Cheese made by Stacy Hedges and Charlotte Spruce at Hampshire Cheese in Herriard, Basingstoke.

Francis Cheese made by James McCall at Gold Hill Organic Farm, Child Oakfield, Dorset.

Barkham Blue made by Sandy and Andy Rose at Feathercot, Arbourfield, Reading.

Mr Smales said: “This has been a wonderful opportunity for the local artisan cheese makers to team up with their bigger counterparts in a totally different part of industry and commerce, and join forces to celebrate Her Majesty’s birthday in another part of Europe.”

Jochen Schnadt, chief commercial officer of bmi regional, commented: “It’s great to celebrate Her Majesty’s birthday as well as the launch of new air links between Southampton and Bavaria in such a delightful and delicious way.

“I’m sure this foodie offering will be appreciated by all who attend the event.”

Dave Lees, managing director of Southampton Airport, said: “We would like to send good wishes to Her Majesty, The Queen on this special birthday and hope that the people of Munich will enjoy these award-winning cheeses from this region.”