A VALE of Evesham farmer will hear next week whether he is a winner in the NFU Farming Excellence Awards after being shortlisted as a finalist.

Tom Meikle, of Lower Freelands Farm, Wick, is down to the last two in the English Nature/Country Life Farming for Wildlife Award.

The winner will be announced on March 11.

"As well as the potential to win a further £1,000 in prizemoney, Farming Excellence Award finalists have found in the past that the prestige and media coverage they gain from being shortlisted helps boost their business and the industry's reputation," said NFU West Midlands regional public relations officer Russell Griffin.

Mr Meikle is an active member of the Worcestershire Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group committee and has taken part in many training events.

He produces sugar beet, salad onions, dwarf beans, barley and wheat, and integrated farming practice is at the centre of the business's thinking.

The farm has previously hosted an RSPB training day, an ADAS farm walk and entertained a group from the Environment Agency.