HOLSTEIN champion John Gribbon was awarded the John Dennison Lifetime Achievement award.

The award is in memory of the late John Dennison, highly regarded breeder of the Denmire Holsteins of Scales Farm, Ulverston, and is presented by his family to the person judged to be an exemplary role model to the industry.

It was presented to Mr Gribbon in recognition of his achievements and status as a role model in dairy breeding and exhibiting.

In presenting the award Mrs Margaret Dennison said: “John Gribbon is a perfect match for the award. It is presented to someone who supports and encourages the next generation, as my husband John himself did.

“He has all-round ability, and is respected and recognised by fellow members of the industry.”

Mr Gribbon’s interest in the industry started in 1962 when he worked with his father on their farm in Norfolk.

Success followed and when he went on to manage the famous Broomcart herd in Warwickshire, competition after competition was won, and herd values increased as he promoted the herd’s new cow families.