The cheesemaking High Sheriff of Gloucestershire, Charles Martell, has thrown his support behind the recently formed Forest Economic Partnership.

The founder of the famous 'Stinking Bishop' cheese brand and a proven business man with an interest in economic regeneration, he met the leader of Forest of Dean District Council Cllr Tim Gwilliam, cabinet members and the new council chairman, Councillor Marrilyn Smart.

Charles Martell is the first High Sheriff to come from within the Forest of Dean district since 2010 and is keen to show his support for the area's economic growth.

During informal discussions he heard about plans to regenerate the district's economy from the chairman of the Forest Economic Partnership (FEP), Andrew Callard.

Councillor Gwilliam said: "It was encouraging to receive Charles's support for our plans for the economic growth of the district, particularly from a man with such a successful business background. We hope that Charles will be able to pass on our positive plans for the regeneration of the Forest of Dean economy and inform others during future discussions about the district."

Andrew Callard said: "It was interesting to hear that The High Sheriff's office does not receive many nominations for the Queens Awards for Enterprise from Forest businesses. This is a missed opportunity for recognition that FEP would hope to address over the coming year through greater awareness and practical help."