THE spotlight was shone on the county’s farming heroes at a prestigious annual awards event staged in Cumbria.

More than 220 leading industry professionals from across Cumbria attended a glittering ceremony, organised by Newsquest Cumbria in partnership with once again Carlisle-based accountants, financial and business advisers, Armstrong Watson, to toast exceptional individuals and generations of farming families across 14 categories.

The prize-giving ceremony last Friday, hosted by John Wharton, farmer and livestock manager and auctioneer at Mitchell’s Auction Mart in Cockermouth, at the Greenhill Hotel, near Wigton, rewarded innovation and talent.

“This was a real celebration of the fighting spirit of the Cumbrian farming community,” said John.

Praise has flooded in from the farming community and industry leaders, who have hailed it as ‘one of the best nights out in the county’s farming calendar’.

Mr Neil Hudson, MP for Penrith and The Border, said: “What a pleasure it was to be a part of this wonderful celebration of everything that makes our Cumbrian farming communities great!

“Farmers play such an important role to life here in Cumbria. Not only do they contribute billions to the nation’s economy and produce high quality food for our plates, they also play a vital role in protecting our precious environment and upholding world-leading animal welfare standards in the process.

“Thanks again to everyone involved, and congratulations again to all those nominated. They are a real testament to the wealth of talent we have right here on our doorstep.

"It was also brilliant that the fundraising on the night was in support of the Farming Community Network who do so much to help support rural mental health, an issue I am passionate about and working hard in Parliament on.”

The 14 categories and a Judges Special Award, a Farmer’s Choice Award, an Against All Odds Award and a tribute award in memory of Mike McKinley, former Chairman of the Lake District National Park Authority, who died earlier this year, honoured the county’s remarkable people.

Cumbrian rural ‘trailblazer’ Olive Clarke was awarded the coveted Lifetime Achievement Award, sponsored by Armstrong Watson. The 100-year-old from Kraker Mill Farm, near Milnthorpe, was awarded the accolade in recognition of her life-long commitment to rural issues across Cumbria.

Olive was unable to attend the awards ceremony but her daughter, Alison Boxford, collected the glass trophy on her behalf. Alison said afterwards: “Thank you very much to all those who organised the whole spectacular evening. I understand the work involved.

"People were obviously enjoying the special event. As I said it was an honour to receive the award for my mother and she was so sorry not to be there in person.

"I have of course described the evening to her and she is looking forward to seeing the reports of the celebration in the papers. The actual award is now on display in her drawing room and looks very good. It is a super design.”

Head of the distinquished judging panel, Andrew Robinson, partner and head of agriculture and farming at Armstrong Watson, said: “It gave us real pride as judges to see the wide range of successful farming and food businesses we have in Cumbria and bodes well for the future of the agricultural sector in our region.”

Maureen Hodges, farming and rural affairs editor, said: “It gave me immense pleasure to see our hard-working and innovative farmers rewarded.

"Everyone was a winner, because every single entrant was doing their bit to make Cumbria a better place as it faces up to the challenges in the countryside.”

Sue Colling, marketing manager at Lloyd Ltd, sponsor of the Diversification of the Year Award, said afterwards: “It was really quite moving to see such a celebration of the local farming community and to see how supportive everyone was of each other. A genuinely heartfelt acknowledgement of the contribution they all make. Just lovely.”

Vanessa Sims, Newsquest Cumbria’s regional group editor said: “The Cumbria Farmer Awards are fast becoming a highlight of the calendar.

“The sense of community, support and pride in the industry was clear for all to see. Every single award nominee could have been crowned the winner in their own right. The atmosphere throughout the event was electric and testament to the passion for Cumbrian farming and agriculture.

“Thank you to all the sponsors for making this wonderful event possible.”