It can be said with confidence that it has turned out to be a very different year to the one we thought we were welcoming on New Year's Eve, writes Lisa Young.

The coronavirus pandemic has brought tragedy for many and challenge for all.

One of the more positive results of this confusion is the reported increase in sales of locally produced food, and support for those who grow and process it.

Every year the South West Farmer Awards shine a light on the best farmers in the south west. The awards night is traditionally a glitzy and light-hearted evening during which the winners of the coveted awards are revealed.

Inevitably, this year, the evening will be a little different.

This year the organisers would like to celebrate the strength and resilience that farmers throughout the west country have shown during this unprecedented time.

Producing the highest quality food, finding new ways of getting it to the community and generally keeping calm and carrying on in the most difficult of times - this is what needs to be celebrated this year.

While organisers wait on the further lifting of lockdown guidelines, it's not yet possible to be certain of what the event will look like this year.

What we are sure of is that we'd like to get our readers together, when it's safe to do so, and celebrate the success of each and every one.

In the meantime, for more details, please contact Roland Ebert on 01326 213322 or email him at rebert@localiq.co.uk.