A cash prize aimed at boosting the careers of enterprising young Norfolk livestock farmers has been doubled to £12,000.

The Chris Lewis Award was founded in 2007 in memory of its namesake, a respected Norfolk stockman and pedigree sheep breeder who was known for supporting young people.

The aim of the award is to support "a project for up to two years which can involve any form of livestock production or an associated business of a practical nature".

It has been presented every two years by the Norfolk Farmers Trust, but now farming charity the Clan Trust has added its sponsorship to the prize fund.

As a result, the amount on offer in 2023 has been doubled to £12,000 - although exactly how the money will be split between the winners is yet to be decided.

Awards organiser Roger Long, a cattle farmer based in Scarning, near Dereham, said: "The Clan Trust have come in with us to make it a wonderful prize.

"The application forms are starting to be circulated and people are buzzing. The way the [financial] climate is at the moment, we are very proud to be able to help a youngster to get a start like that.

"I am sure dear old Chris [Lewis] would have been tickled pink to see that amount of money in a trust in his name, going to support young people in their quest for agricultural knowledge."

Eastern Daily Press: The Chris Lewis Award is presented in memory of inspirational Norfolk sheep farmer Chris Lewis, who died in 2007The Chris Lewis Award is presented in memory of inspirational Norfolk sheep farmer Chris Lewis, who died in 2007 (Image: Ian Burt)

Applicants should be aged 30 years or under at the time of application and should have been a resident in Norfolk for the last five years.

They are expected to be working in a livestock agricultural venture or looking to establish a new enterprise in this sector.

The award prize money could be spent on studying, accommodation, travelling, tuition fees, training, an apprenticeship or in any other way which fits the criteria.

Applicants must also show how, by winning the award, they would benefit other people in Norfolk.

The last award in 2021 was presented to Bethany Atkinson, a contract shepherdess from Stokesby, near Acle, who used her £6,000 prize money to buy more animals and a handling unit to improve the management of her sheep and build on her contracting business.

To request an application form or more details about the award contact Roger Long on Longr@btconnect.com or call 07747 774979.