TWO local branches of a national farming charity have won major awards.

The Durham branch of the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution (RABI) was named the most progressive county committee, while the North Yorkshire committee won the Beaufort Shield for raising the most money.

The awards were presented at RABI's annual meeting and awards ceremony in Oxfordshire attended by more than 200 people.

Malcolm Thomas, RABI chairman, said: "2016 was a remarkable year for Durham, who attracted new members and organised eight events, raising more than £6,500."

RABI’s North Yorkshire committee raised £64,474 and also won the Sam Taylor Cup for the best new standalone fundraising event – the Magic of Farming Ball in Leyburn, which attracted more than 300 people and raised £6,300.

North Yorkshire fundraisers dominated the awards. The Yorkshire Agricultural Society picked up the Dennis Brown Shield, given to the organisation which "makes the greatest contribution" during the year.

Hannah Binns, a member of Pendle YFC, was awarded the YFC Cup for raising more than £800 through a skydive. She is also a committed blogger, recognising the need to get young people involved in fundraising for RABI and setting up an online 'virtual committee'.

The regional award for the North-East went to Denny Gibson, who has organised two antiquarian book and postcard fairs in Bedale each year for the past ten years, raising more than £20,000.

Collecting the award on her behalf, David Burke said: "Denny’s from a farming family in Wensleydale and is the sort of person every fundraising committee needs because she thinks outside the box."

Malcolm Thomas, RABI chairman, said: "Our North Yorkshire committee is longstanding and hardworking and these awards are fully deserved."

Last year, RABI awarded grants of around £2.1 million to farming people in hardship and also helped people claim more than £287,000 in state benefits and tax credits. It gave grants of £152,428 in North Yorkshire.

Voluntary income is RABI’s chief source of funding and the charity has more than 50 county committees in England and Wales working to raise funds and awareness.

Mr Thomas said: "Without our county committees RABI would not be able to do the work it does."