An Englishman taking a break from being a high-flying accountant in London has been crowned France's most expert cheesemaker.

Matthew Feroze - who is currently on a two-year sabbatical from his job to pursue his passion for the dairy product - defeated 15 of the nation's most critically acclaimed cheese-sellers at a twice-yearly competition in Lyon at the weekend.

The 30-year-old is now the first foreigner to claim the prestigious Concours National des Fromagers title at the high-end Salon Mondiale de Restauration et Hotellerie event.

Mr Feroze told the Independent he was "surprised" with the result, which saw him offered a full-time position at the store he had been working for temporarily, the Fromagerie Mons-Etinee Boissy.

He added: "The members of the jury and the competitors were very encouraging and friendly. If there was any resentment, they did not show it."

The tests Mr Feroze had to undertake included a blind cheese-tasting session, cutting slices of cheese to specified weights and presenting a cheese platter he had matured himself.