A farmer who has built up a thriving dairy farm from nothing has been named Devon's Farmer of the Year.

The determination of Rachel Leonard is echoed in other winners, including a single mother who runs her tenanted farm by herself, and a beef and sheep farmer who stepped up to help her dairy farming friends by persuading her local supermarket to stock pints of milk alongside fizzy drinks.

These were all success stories told at the Devon Farm Business Awards, which are currently in their fourth year.

The awards, organised by Addington Fund, Stephens Scown LLP and Devon County Agricultural Society, are designed to celebrate and showcase the best farmers and farming businesses in Devon.

Ian Bell OBE, chief executive of the Addington Fund, said: “The Devon Farm Business Awards are one of the highlights of my year.

"From reviewing the nominations to meeting the winners on the night - at every stage, I am struck by the quality of farming businesses we have here in Devon.

"As well as celebrating success, the awards help us to raise vital funds for the Addington Fund, which will be used to help provide housing for farming families who have to leave the industry through no fault of their own.”

Phil Reed, partner and head of rural services at Stephens Scown, said: “Passion and perseverance are crucial ingredients in any farm, and tonight’s nominees and winners show what can be achieved with this attitude.

"Farming has long been woven into the way of life in Devon, and the farmers we are celebrating tonight show the valuable contribution that the sector continues to make to the success of the region as a whole.

"Hearing the stories of our nominees and winners it would be hard not to be impressed, they are doing Devon proud.”

Mary Quicke MBE, chairman of council of the Devon County Agricultural Association, said: "Once again, our Devon Farm Business Award winners are demonstrating that, for all the current uncertainties, farming remains an industry of enterprise and opportunity.

"They are an inspiration to their fellow farmers, and standard bearers for Devon farming to the wider world.

"The Devon County Agricultural Association is proud to have been able to help give these outstanding farming people and businesses the recognition they deserve."