ROCK star turned Oxfordshire farmer Alex James, left, has launched a new range of cheeses, including tikka masala cheddar and cheese slices for toasted sandwiches.

The unconventional dairy produce – branded as “Alex James presents...” – is now on sale at Asda supermarkets and is a world away from Mr James’ previous ventures into the world of cheesemaking.

Until now he has concentrated on upmarket craft cheeses, such as Blue Monday – named after the song by New Order – and Little Wallop, made from goats’ milk.

The latest creations from his farm near Kingham were inspired by the ways he and his family enjoy cheese, such as the bread-shaped slices for making cheese toasties and Spudsworth cheese cubes for baked potatoes. Along with the tikka masala cheddar, there are also versions infused with salad cream and tomato ketchup, produced by a creamery in Somerset.

The Blur bass guitarist said: “I’m hugely passionate about this range and I’m so excited that I’ve been able to bring it to life.

“It’s definitely cheese, but not as the nation knows it.”