THE Isle of Wight's Briddlesford Farm was one of the big winners at this year's British Farming Awards.

Family farmer Paul Griffin won the gold award for dairy innovator of the year at the ceremony, held at the National Conference Centre, Birmingham, on Thursday and hosted by television presenter Vernon Kay.

Briddlesford sells a range of products from its award-winning herd of Guernsey cows — including, more recently, a halloumi-style cheese — and this week helped launch Isle of Wight Milk, to ensure Island farmers are paid a fair price.

Read more: New Isle of Wight milk launched to tackle 'decimation' of dairy industry and pay farmers fair price

Paul said: "I am thrilled to receive this award, which recognises the fantastic support of the whole team at Briddlesford. We pull together to make this business what it is today.”

The judging panel said: "Mr Griffin is mitigating the ongoing volatility faced by UK dairy farmers by utilising every drop of his core product.

“Passionate and optimistic, the fourth generation to work on the family farm has been fundamental in the recent launch of a new milk brand on the Isle of Wight to protect its heritage and ensure a fair price for dairy farmers.”

Paul was not the only Islander represented at the awards, now in their seventh year.

Robert Chapman, of Westover Farm, Calbourne, was shortlisted for the contractor innovator of the year award.

Ben Briggs, editor of the Farmers’ Guardian, which sponsors the event, said: “These awards reflect the breadth of the farming industry, celebrating the diversity and innovation present in an industry which faces continuing change and challenges.”