THE vital role farmers play in their local community is once again being recognised with a prestigious award.

NFU Cymru’s Welsh Rural Community Champion Award, now in its fifth year, seeks to reward farmers who use what little spare time they have away from the farm in helping their local community.

Stephen James, deputy president of NFU Cymru said: “We want to recognise the hard work farmers do off the farm in order to help their local town or village community.

Potential award winners could be involved, for example, with their local agricultural show, community events, choir and all sorts of things which play an important part in making a thriving community.”

The winner of the award, which is sponsored by the Principality Building Society, will receive £500, with £100 each on offer to two runners- up.

Principality’s Group chief executive, Graeme Yorston said: “We pride ourselves on supporting the communities in which we operate and our members live and we are delighted to have the opportunity to recognise individuals that share in this passion.

“Farmers play an important role in adding value to the local community and we believe, along with NFU Cymru, that their contribution should be both celebrated and rewarded.”

Anyone interested in entering the award can contact NFU Cymru for more details and an application form. Email: sarah.jones@ nfu.org.uk, ring 01982 554200 or write to: NFU Cymru, Welsh Community Champion Award, Agriculture House, Royal Welsh Showground, Builth Wells, Powys, LD2 3TU.

The application form is also available to download at www.nfucymru.org.uk. The closing date for entries is Friday, June 14th, and the winner will be announced at the Royal Welsh Show.