THE family of an inspirational farmer has been presented with a special recognition award at the South West Farmer Awards 2017 held at Somerset County Cricket Club.

The award was presented to the family of sixth-generation dairy farmer Derek Mead, an advocate of British farming and agriculture who sadly lost his life in a tragic farming accident this year.

Julie Edwards, head of communications and agricultural affairs at Mole Valley Farmers, who presented the award to the Mead family, said: “Derek was quite simply unique – a true friend and advocate of farming who is missed but will never be forgotten.”

As chairman of the Mead Realisations Group, Derek was instrumental in the creation of Puxton Park, near Weston-super-Mare with his son, Alistair, and the agri-focused development at Junction 24, Bridgwater, with his daughter Katherine.