A KEY farming figure from the south west has won a top award for his contribution to the food and farming industry. 

Stephen Dennis, regional director at The Farming Community Network (FCN), was given the award at a ceremony in the House of Lords on Tuesday (October 17), alongside other colleagues at the charity organisation. 

The event was held by the English Panel of the Council for Awards of Royal Agricultural Societies (CARAS). It was hosted by Lord Taylor of Holbeach CBE FRAgS and in the presence of DEFRA farming minister Mark Spencer.

The awards recognise the personal achievements and contribution of individuals to the food and farming industry, as well as within society. 

Mr Dennis said: "I feel very humbled to receive this award. My work with the FCN over the 27 years I have been involved continues to be a privilege in supporting farming families in the south west."

Other award winners from FCN included: 

  • Milly Fyfe (FCN Ambassador)
  • Geoff Samsone (FCN volunteer)
  • Suzie Wilkinson MBE (FCN volunteer)
  • Richard West (FCN volunteer)

A spokesperson for FCN said: "Congratulations to all the award winners! We thank our volunteers for everything you do in support of our farming community."