A CUMBRIAN poultry company which supplies eggs across South Lakeland has been commended for its practice by one of the world’s most prestigious awards schemes.

The Lakes Free Range Egg Company has been recognised by The Queen’s Award for Enterprise in the sustainable development category.

The Queen’s Awards for Enterprise are traditionally announced on Her Majesty The Queen’s official birthday on 21st April.

They honour outstanding achievements made by UK businesses across four categories.

The Lakes CEO David Brass was notified in advance that it was their “outstanding sector leadership and influence,” that led to them receiving a Queen’s Award for Sustainable Development.

David Brass described the win as “a hugely rewarding accolade for the whole team, it is a much-coveted award and we are very proud to receive the honour.”

The Lakes was set up 21 years ago by David and Helen Brass who have continued to produce free range and organic eggs, packed to the highest standards and adhering to leading animal welfare, ethical and environmental principles.

They are now the UK’s largest, specialist free range egg producer/packer, achieving this with a network of small family farm producers and by developing a model of farming that is profitable, sustainable and replicable.

From inception they have always believed planting trees improves the welfare of free range hens.

When they began, no industry standards existed, so they led the way.

More than 157,000 native trees and shrubs have been planted on their ranges, optimising habitats for wildlife and biodiversity.