A SOUTH Lakes farmer has been named Northern Farmer of the Year in a prestigious awards ceremony.

Henry Knowles, of Myers Farm, Kendal, lifted the award at a glittering event at the Great Yorkshire Showground in Harrogate on Thursday.

More than 400 leading industry professionals from across the region attended the sixth annual Northern Farmer Awards, once again sponsored by Mole Country Stores, to toast exceptional individuals and generations of farming families across ten categories.

The prize-giving ceremony, hosted at the Pavilions of Harrogate rewarded innovation and talent ensuring agricultural business continues to grow.

A judging panel for The Northern Farmer publication – sister title to The Westmorland Gazette – submitted votes in secret to crown Henry Knowles as the overall Northern Farmer of the Year 2019 for his dedication to inspiring the next generation. Mr Knowles collected the biggest award of the night after already receiving the Young Farmer of the Year Award for his work on the Myers Farm.

Former BBC Look North presenter Wendy Gibson hosted the event and described Mr Knowles as a “true inspiration” who diversified from dairy with just four ducks to a flock of hundreds producing free-range eggs.

Upon accepting his award, Mr Knowles thanked his partner, Hannah Storton, and said: “If you get an opportunity, just go for it.

“Don’t let anything pass you by – work as hard as you can and it’ll pay off. Don’t give up.”

Matt Bagley, head of farms at Askam Bryan College’s Newton Rigg site, earned the Outstanding Achievement Award.