Young farmers past and present have been rewarded for their outstanding voluntary work with the presentation of their King’s Award for Voluntary Service.

Cumbria Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs (Cumbria YFC) were included in the first cohort of 262 voluntary organisations to receive the award.

They gathered at The Gavel at Penrith Auction Mart when the award was presented by Deputy Lieutenant Colonel (retired) Christopher Sanderson after a citation read by Deputy Lieutenant Sam Rayner.

On presenting the award, Deputy Lieutenant Colonel Sanderson commented: “We are delighted that Cumbria Young Farmers have been recognised with this prestigious award. They are an important part of the Cumbrian community and have had a tremendous impact on the lives of so many across the county.”

Cumbria YFC County President John Garnett said: “Our volunteers are the people who mentor and support our young farmers, helping them to develop and grow into confident and resilient adults who will go on to play a major part in the future of Cumbria. To receive the King’s Award for Voluntary Service in recognition of their commitment and hard work means so much to us.”

A hearty pie and pea supper was enjoyed after the presentation followed by a power point presentation on the work of Cumbria YFC by current Cumbria YFC Chair Charlotte Wilson. Frank Chester gave a speech and talked of his time as County Chair during the amalgamation of the then Cumberland and Westmorland Young Farmers’ Clubs in 1974 and went on to say that he had made friendships that had endured to the present day.

An auction of a cake made and decorated by Charlotte Wilson and Rachel Lyall complete with the KAVS and Cumbria YFC logos raised £100 to add to the danceathon fundraiser for Jigsaw Cumbria’s Children’s Hospice and Cumbria YFC which had taken place in the preceding 24 hours.

The evening culminated with the Cumbria YFC Northern District Vice Chair, Meg Harrison showcasing her amazing singing talent.