The UK’s favourite veterans began their Christmas celebrations with a cheesey tradition that dates back more than 300 years, the Ceremony of the Christmas Cheeses. This year, they were joined by Chelsea football club legend Ron “Chopper” Harris.

The tradition of cheese makers donating their cheeses to the Royal Hospital began in 1692, when the hospital asked a local cheesemonger to provide the pensioners with cheese as a Christmas treat. Ever since, cheese makers from all over the country have continued the tradition. This year, a 28 kg Montgomery cheddar, donated by Jamie Montgomery of Montgomery Cheese in Somerset, was ceremonially cut by in-pensioner Norman Mitchell, aged 92, a veteran of World War II.

The UK’s Dairy Council has been organising the donations for over 50 years. They are presented to the in-pensioners during a special ceremony at the hospital. Dr Judith Bryans, director of The Dairy Council, says: “We are delighted that once again the men and women of the Royal Hospital will enjoy fine quality British cheeses this Christmas. We’re very proud of the generosity that British cheese makers have shown in donating over 250kg of cheese to these much loved war veterans in order to pay tribute to their courage.”