Stilton maker Long Clawson is venturing into new cheese territory with a range of branded territorial and blue cheeses.

The Claxstone brand - named after Clachestone, the historic name of the village of Long Clawson - comprises Aged Leicestershire Red, Blue Stilton, Shropshire Blue and Smooth Blue. The range is on sale in Asda now and will go into M&S in April and Morrisons in July. Claxstone would be supported by a “significant” above-the-line campaign, Long Clawson said.

Parts of the territorial cheese market have struggled to compete against Cheddar. Earlier this year, Pilgrims Choice axed its branded territorial cheeses in the wake of disappointing sales.