Inspirational Norfolk winners are celebrating their successes at the first-ever National Women in Agriculture Awards.

The ceremony, held in the members' dining toom in the House of Commons, aimed to "recognise and celebrate female talent in agriculture".

Among the winners was Olivia Shave, an East Harling shepherdess who is founder and director of eco-friendly Norfolk farm business Ecoewe.

Eastern Daily Press: Sustainability Champion of the Year Olivia Shave (centre) pictured with Jo Caulfield and Martin Hanson, head of agriculture at HSBC UK Sustainability Champion of the Year Olivia Shave (centre) pictured with Jo Caulfield and Martin Hanson, head of agriculture at HSBC UK  (Image: National Women in Agriculture Awards)

The newly-crowned Sustainability Champion of the Year was described as a "passionate custodian of the land", whose business "makes use of every part of the animal including producing rugs and jumpers with zero waste".

She said: “I'm proud and privileged to be named Sustainability Champion of the Year, leading the way for others to be inspired by my efforts and championing women in farming.

"When we talk about living in a sustainable way we are generally talking about developing ways to live that don't harm the environment, or that cause the lowest possible impact on it, and to be recognised and awarded for this by implementing a circular system of food, farming and fashion within our daily practices has paid dividends and goes to show that it can be achievable.

"It was such an honour to be in the fantastic company of many inspiring women that are all creating innovative processes to raise the profile of women in agriculture which fills me with so much hope for the future generations."

Another winner was Julie Eccleston, new business development manager at Traditional Norfolk Poultry (TNP) in Shropham, near Attleborough, who was named Supply Chain Woman of the Year.

TNP managing director Mark Gorton said this recognised 17 years of hard work, helping the business grow into a national supplier of speciality chicken and turkey products.

He said the award was "well and truly deserved", adding: "Julie received many endorsements from other colleagues within the industry which I'm sure helped her entry stand out from the others."

Eastern Daily Press: Julie Eccleston of Traditional Norfolk Poultry was named Supply Chain Woman of the Year at the National Women in Agriculture AwardsJulie Eccleston of Traditional Norfolk Poultry was named Supply Chain Woman of the Year at the National Women in Agriculture Awards (Image: TNP)

Other presentations included a Lifetime Achievement Award for former National Farmers' Union president Minette Batters.