A FARMER who also works to support others in agriculture has been named as a "Country Hero" in a national competition.

Mole Valley Farmers launched the Country Heroes initiative last year to search for 12 deserving winners who go above and beyond by helping others in their communities.

This year Kaleb Cooper from the Clarkson’s Farm TV show teamed up with Mole Valley for the awards, in which the winners receive a Christmas hamper worth more than £500.

The 2021 winner from the retailer's Piercebridge store is Anne Scott, a hill farmer's wife from Teesdale, who also works for Upper Teesdale Agricultural Support Services (UTASS).

Mole Valley said that despite having these two full time roles, she still finds the time to help others within her community and lends a hand to volunteering wherever it is required.

"The Covid pandemic hit rural communities hard with isolation and financial hardship causing extra anxiety and stress in already difficult times, but it is people like Anne who make a real difference to somebody else’s day, with her selfless attitude, positivity, cheerful smile and her ability to provide extra special support to those who need it most in her community," a spokesperson for the firm said.

 

Winner Anne Scott and nominee Lynn Metcalfe (left) with the prize hamper at Mole Country Store in Piercebridge Picture: STUART BOULTON

Winner Anne Scott and nominee Lynn Metcalfe (left) with the prize hamper at Mole Country Store in Piercebridge Picture: STUART BOULTON

 

Lynne Metcalfe, who nominated Mrs Scott, added: “She is an amazing lady and ambassador for the hard-working farming community of Teesdale. She well deserves a thank you for the unseen work she does and will continue to do for the whole community of Teesdale."

Mrs Scott found out about her win in the aftermath of Storm Arwen, which left swathes of Teesdale without power for days and caused severe damage to many farms.

“We have been six days without electricity and the farming community here is very rural, so we (UTASS) have been going around all week making sure that those who are isolated aren’t going without heating and food," said Mrs Scott. "It has been a very difficult week, so this is just the news we need. Thank you so much.”

UTASS aims to help prevent farmers' problems from getting to the stage of desperation, and assists in maintaining a safer, happier self-sustaining community. See www.utass.org/