Historic Melton Mowbray dairy review period extended

Arla Foods Tuxford and Tebbutt Creamery, in Melton Mowbray, employs about 60 people

The future of a historic Leicestershire dairy is still to be decided after a review of the site was extended.

Tuxford and Tebbutt Creamery in Melton Mowbray has been producing Stilton since 1780.

In January, its owner, Arla Foods said it was looking for potential buyers.

Fran Ball, vice-president of production, said the review will run until June "to allow the business to continue to engage with interested parties".

"During this period, it is very much business as usual, and we will continue to fulfil all customer orders," she said.

The creamery currently employs about 60 people at the site and is part of the Arla Foods co-operative, which has facilities in 11 countries and whose products include global brands such as Arla, Castello, and Lurpak.

Making the review announcement in January, Ms Ball said the decline of the speciality cheese market in the UK had affected the decision.