And, for the first time in its 20 years, the world's largest international cheese competition will take place outside of the UK, in Dublin on September 29.

Tim will be just one of just 100 judges from all over the globe to carry out the challenging task of rating about 2,000 entries based on taste, texture and appearance.

He said: "I am hoping I will be able to taste some delicious cheese. It's a great opportunity to meet the most respected people within the cheese industry, as well as being able to appreciate the fantastic array and variety of cheeses now available."

There will be 62 categories with all entries competing for coveted gold, silver and bronze awards. Each of the gold winning cheeses are then judged a second and third time before the main winners of 18 sponsored trophies and the overall Champion of Cheese are selected.

Tim added: "Last year's winner was a Brie de Meaux from France which we now sell in our shop, so hopefully we shall be able to stock the world champion cheese of 2008, too, alongside 100 other cheeses, many locally sourced."