A well-known soap actor praised Norfolk's local food movement at the weekend when he visited a farm shop in his lesser known role as a master cheese maker.

A well-known soap actor praised Norfolk's local food movement at the weekend when he visited a farm shop in his lesser known role as a master cheese maker.

Sean Wilson is best known for his 20-year stint as the down-trodden Martin Platt in ITV's Coronation Street. But since leaving the show, the Lancashire-based actor has carved out a successful career by making handmade cheese with his new business, the Saddleworth Cheese Company.

Mr Wilson made a guest appearance at Goodies Farm Shop at Pulham Market on Saturday and brought along some of his award-winning cheeses for customers to taste.

The 44-year-old said it was vitally important that people supported local food producers and farm shops.

'There is a massive movement of people that want to buy real food like properly made cheese and bread that you can't buy in a supermarket. They travel for it as well and we are in good company with the Prince of Wales promoting it.'

'I think we should do more of it and if you have a local farm shop you have to support it,' he said.

Mr Wilson brought along four 'artisan' homemade cheeses, including two British and Irish Cheese Award gold medallists, which were quickly polished off on Saturday.

Stuart Gooderham, owner of Goodies Farm Shop, said trade had been very busy as a result of the star guest.

'A lot of people have come to ask him about Coronation Street and have been won over by his cheeses. You can see he is very passionate about good food,' he said.

The farm shop and bistro at Pulham Market is supporting British Breakfast Week which runs until Saturday, by donating 50p from every full English breakfast to the Help for Heroes charity.