A farmer has been given one of the highest accolades in the farming industry for his efforts to enhance and protect the countryside.

Ashley Cooper, of Hill Farm near Gestingthorpe, has received the Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group Silver Lapwing award.

Mr Cooper has carried out extensive work year after year in a bid to restore habitats to reverse the decline of birds, mammals and plant life.

At the awards ceremony, he said: “I am thrilled that FWAG is able to continue.
“It was 39 years ago to the day that I went to the first FWAG event in Essex and I am hugely grateful to Rebecca Inman and other FWAG advisers, who have put the heart, soul and beauty into the farm and for helping me to love it the way I do."