A COUPLE from Cumbria have been awarded the TI Allison memorial Award for their outstanding contribution to the sheep industry in Northern England.

Derick and Jean Wilson, from Matterdale, have been active supporters of the National Sheep Association (NSA) and stalwarts of the Herdwick sheep Breeders Association for more than 50 years.

Will Rawling, chairman of the breed association and NSA Northern Region committee member presented them with their award at the region's annual meeting.

He said: "This couple have shown total dedication to their breed and evidence of their success is that their trophy cabinet which is already bursting at the seams.

"Both Jean and Derick have a long association with the showing of Herdwick Sheep, as competitors and judges, and remain very active in agricultural circles. It is a particular testament to see the great lengths they go to in supporting new starters to get a foot on the sheep farming ladder, often helping them understand the bigger picture, not just selling sheep."

Greg Dalton, County Durham sheep farmer and outgoing NSA Northern Region Chairman, said: "There could not have been more justifiable winners of this award. Hard work from the Herdwick Sheep Breeders Association has played an integral role in raising the profile of the breed in recent years, an effort the Wilson’s continue to be a fundamental part of.

"From designing to building displays, work like this has raised the profile of the Herdwicks in the sheep world and far beyond."

The presentation was part of a busy evening, with Eddie Eastham of Burgh-by-Sands, Cumbria, taking over as the region’s new chairman and Thomas Carrick, of Alston, as vice-chairman.

The meeting also included a series of presentations including from Jean Pierre Garnier of AHDB who spoke about potential post-Brexit trade deals; Joanne Briggs of NSA adding a wider Brexit context on the ideal outcomes for UK sheep farmers on trade, farm support and regulation. Hannah Jackson, an NSA Next Generation Ambassador, concluded with a summary of her career since taking part in the NSA professional development programme.