Coronavirus outbreak confirmed at Wensleydale Creamery in the Yorkshire Dales

The affected employees are among around 230 staff who work at the site in Hawes, and all are based in the production area.

The visitor centre, cafe and shop are unaffected and are open as normal,

A spokesperson for the Wensleydale Creamery said: "Five colleagues who work within our production area have tested positive for Covid-19. We have responded quickly, working collaboratively with Public Health England and North Yorkshire County Council, to provide tests for all members of our production team and ensure that effective and appropriate measures are in place to contain the spread of the virus.

"As an A* International Food Safety accredited site with a 5/5 Food Standards Agency rating, we are committed to maintaining the highest standard of hygiene. We have been following strict procedures within our production areas and as an additional precautionary measure, further members of staff are now isolating.

"There have been no cases detected at our separate Wensleydale Creamery visitor centre which remains fully open. Since our phased re-opening, we have put in place stringent measures to maintain a safe and welcoming environment for our employees and visitors, including social distancing in all areas, frequent comprehensive cleaning, one-way systems with separate entrances, hand sanitisers throughout each area, along with daily employee temperature checks.

"We will continue to work closely with local authorities to ensure the safety of our staff, customers and visitors, and urge anyone experiencing symptoms to remain at home and self-isolate."

Wensleydale cheese has been produced in Hawes for over a century, and the current creamery has been open since 2015. It is one of the largest employers in the area.