Cheese hamper lovers may be interested to hear Caerphilly Cheese could soon be granted Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) status.

The Welsh Assembly has set aside £75,000 to use towards the scheme, Wales Online reports.

PGI status for the dairy product would benefit the cheese in a number of ways, including increased consumer and industry recognition and protection from imitation for the producers.

Assistant manager Jeff Cuthbert rold the news provider he is thrilled the cheese is being considered for PGI status, as the product is part of Caerphilly's heritage.

"I would encourage the consideration of several of our excellent Welsh beers and ciders, which also just so happen to complement the cheese very well," he added.

If the cheese gets PGI status it may become a feature in luxury gift hampers and could sit alongside champagne, which is one product that already has PGI.

Earlier this week, Butlers Farmhouse Red Leicester - which may be found in luxury gift hampers - won the Supreme Champion Cheese prize, the Lancashire Evening Post reported.