DO YOU know any individual or business that has gone the extra mile in rural achievement?

Nominations now open for the CLA and Royal Isle of Wight Agricultural Society (RIWAS) 2019 awards, celebrating rural life on the Island.

The awards will honour those who go the extra mile to support the rural economy, from food and drink producers to tourism businesses.

Nominations are now open, and the winners will be crowned at the Royal Isle of Wight County Show on June 30.

To enter, businesses, individuals and organisations can nominate themselves, or be nominated by others.

The categories are food and drink business, rural tourism business, rural commerce business, an overall winner from those three categories, lifetime achievement, and rural apprentice of the year.

The panel of judges, made up of representatives from the CLA, the Royal Isle of Wight Agricultural Society and an independent chairperson, will assess, meet and interview the shortlisted finalists ahead of the show.

CLA South East represents landowners, farmers and rural businesses across the Isle of Wight and is also sponsoring the Village Green area at the show again.

Senior adviser on the Island, Claire Bennett, said: "We are proud to be a part of the rural community on the Island. We are keen to give back to this community and recognise some of the key players who make this Island as beautiful as it is.

"Last year we had some fantastic winners, and we're hoping for more of the same this summer."

Graham Biss, vice chairman of RIWAS, said: "Part of our charitable role is to raise awareness of rural issues on the Isle of Wight, and we also want to celebrate our successes.

"These awards really showcase the success of rural industries on the Island, and after such a successful launch last year we are looking forward to meeting even more brilliant nominees in 2019."

Last year the winners were Briddlesford Farm, rural business, George Biss, young person, Cowes Primary School, primary school of the year, and The Tomato Stall, Wight Marque food business of the year.

Island Riding Centre was sustainable business champion, and Tom Phillips was farm worker of the year.

To nominate, download the application form on www.riwas.org.uk and submit it before the final deadline of April 26.

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