IF you like cheese, then you won't 'brie' disappointed if you're Christmas shopping in Southbourne this week.

For local restaurateur James Fowler has set up a cheese stall outside The Larder House in the High Street in the run up to Christmas.

Over the next ten days, James will be importing more than a tonne of the stuff from across the UK and France.

"There is a cheese to suit all tastes. My favourite cheese at the moment is Mont d'or - it's so lovely and creamy," says James who was crowned World Class UK Bartender of the Year in 2014.

And it turns out that James is something of an expert in the field, as he is a judge at the World Cheese Awards.

There are 74 different varieties to choose from soft, smoked and spicy cheeses, to Bries the size of a wagon wheel to Camembert, Comte, goat's cheese, Gouda,and speciality cheeses including Cornish Yern, winner of last year's World Cheese Awards to locally sourced Dorset Vinny.

"We judged 3,000 different cheeses this year - that's a lot of cheese! It's judged by its appearance, complexity of flavour.

He also stocks an array of condiments including Isle of Wight tomato chutneys and pickles, as well as spiced cider and mulled wine.

"Everyone loves cheese at Christmas. We also put together cheese boards for around £25.

"The most expensive cheese is Tunworth Soft Cheese, known as Hampshire Camembert. We add a Dorset truffle through it."

James Fowler

n The Cheese Stall is open every day this week from 10am to 5pm on Monday to Wednesday, and 10am to 8pm from Thursday to Sunday, December 23.