The Bishop of Norwich has launched an annual awards scheme to celebrate Norfolk's "inspirational" young environment workers.

Applications are now open for the 2024 Bishop of Norwich Sustainable Environment Young Employee of the Year Award.

It is open to employees and apprentices, aged under 23, who work for a Norfolk-based employer in sectors such as land management, conservation, countryside management, ecology, climate change management, forestry management and horticulture. 

The winner will receive a £1,000 cash prize to help toward training, as well as two tickets to the Royal Norfolk Show where their award will be presented on June 27. 

The Rt Rev Graham Usher, Bishop of Norwich said he was "delighted" to offer the prize to "encourage and recognize those setting out on a career in land and nature".

"The nominees always give me great hope for the future, not least because I am passionate about the care of God’s creation and supporting those who appreciate the natural world as much as I have in my life," he said.

The award is run in partnership with the Royal Norfolk Agricultural Association (RNAA) and its educational arm, the Food and Farming Discovery Trust.

RNAA managing director Mark Nicholas said the award "seeks to recognise the inspirational efforts by young people to enhance our biodiversity and how we manage our natural capital."

In 2023 the award was presented by the Prince of Wales at the Royal Norfolk Show, to Robert Jackets, who is studying a crop technician course at Easton College and also works on Salle Farms near Reepham, helping to implement environmental field margins and Countryside Stewardship schemes.

Applicants must submit a letter of recommendation from their employer, along with a short smartphone video to introduce themselves and their career development progress.

They must also explain their interest in environmental issues, what they have done about this during their current employment, and how they hope to make a difference in their future careers.

Applications should be submitted to frances.roberson@rnaa.org.uk by 9am on May 13, with videos submitted using WeTransfer.