An awards event that recognises the best of the businesses and people of the North East’s rural communities is returning for a fourth time.
The North East Rural Awards are staged by The Journal with associate sponsors Northumberland College and will take place at Northumberland College’s Kirkley Hall campus on July 4.
The awards contain a number of categories that celebrate the best farming businesses in the region, as well as prizes for tourism and hospitality, food and drink and rural diversification.
Last year prize winners included Bainbridge Farms, Whitehouse Farm, Knitsley Farm Shop and Trainbase Ltd.
Journal business editor Graeme Whitfield said: “This is the fourth year that we have staged the Rural Awards and every year the interest grows.
“It’s clear that there are great things going on in our rural communities and we want to shine a light on them.
“We know that the rural North East is a truly special place, and that is down to the people who live and work there, as well as the businesses that do so much to maintain and enhance our rural communities. We’re looking forward to celebrating what they do at the Rural Awards.”
Nigel Harrett, who was appointed principal of Northumberland College last month, said: “Northumberland College is delighted to be hosting the Rural Awards again this year.
“Our extensive range of land-based provision and excellent facilities make us the ideal choice for a prestigious rural event, and our staff and students can showcase their expertise to ensure the event is a real success.
Rural Awards 2019: Recognising the best of the region's countryside
“We are pleased to be highlighting the skill and innovation in rural areas and celebrating the people and businesses at the heart of our rural communities across the region.”
Entries for the awards are now open, with anyone in the region able to nominate people or businesses in 10 individual categories.
The categories are:
- rural diversification award;
- best rural start-up award;
- rural training/apprenticeship award (sponsored by Northumberland College)
- tourism and hospitality award (sponsored by Northumberland National Park)
- farming and the environment award;
- artisan food and drink award;
- rural innovation award;
- agribusiness award;
- lifetime achievement award (sponsored by Hay & Kilner);
- young farmer of the year award (sponsored by NFU Mutual).
