A herd of goats will be one of the star attractions at this weekend's Yorkshire Dales Cheese Festival.

Frank Hunter's goats at Piper Hole Farm in Ravenstonedale will be among the highlights of the annual event, which celebrates local produce.

The festival, which runs from October 11 to October 14, will see more than 40 events across the national park.

Visitors are invited to Piper Hole Farm to see the goats being milked, and hand-crafted cheese, which is about to compete in the World Cheese Awards, being made.

Mr. Hunter, who started his goat milk business 12 years ago, said: "Our goats are dependent on the plants we have on the farm, not on any bought-in minerals, medicines or feed.

(Image: Yorkshire Dales National Park) "So our cheese is about as natural as you can get. It has no preservatives in it other than salt. 

“Goats don’t graze, they browse. They spend the summer picking off the heads of the likes of knapweed, betony and meadowsweet. That all reflects back in the cheese. 

“During the Cheese Festival we’re at Orton Farmers Market on the Saturday and on the Sunday people are most welcome to visit the farm.

"We’ve been told we are the only maker of crumbly goat’s cheese in the UK. In November, we’re taking it to the World Cheese Awards in Portugal."

(Image: Yorkshire Dales National Park)

Mr. Hunter has a herd of 50 goats, with 25 currently producing milk.

Each goat produces an average of two litres of milk a day, which results in about 6kg of cheese being made daily.

Other highlights of the festival include the Wensleydale Creamery Experience in Hawes, a live mozzarella-making demonstration at The Courtyard Dairy near Settle, and a "cheese and climb" event at How Stean Gorge.

Derek Twine, chair of the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority, said: "Piper Hole Goat Farm is a fine example of an upland farm that has found a way to stay viable.

"The abundant flower-rich meadows and pastures, with all the wildlife they host, are a big part of the story of the fresh and scrumptious goat’s cheese."

He added: "Piper Hole is one of many local businesses taking part in the festival.

"So whether you're a cheese connoisseur, a food lover, or looking for a fun day out with family and friends, this year’s Yorkshire Dales Cheese Festival, Celebrating Local Produce has something for everyone."

More information can be found on the Yorkshire Dales Cheese Festival website.