This year's Dalesman Awards were presented at a special ceremony held at the sun-blessed Broughton Game Show on Sunday 26 June. The Dalesman-sponsored show is now one of the premier events of its kind in the north, representing all that is good in the countryside, and being held right on our doorstep means it is the perfect venue for the awards. The show also raises funds for the Upper Wharfedale Fell Rescue Association and the Cave Rescue Organisation, two voluntary groups close to our heart.

It is therefore very appropriate that this year's winner of our major award, The Yorkshireman/woman of the Year, sponsored by Skipton Building Society, should be mountaineer Alan Hinkes OBE. Northallerton-born Alan, who became the first Briton to climb all 14 of the world's highest mountains, this year helped raise funds for mountain rescue by climbing the highest peaks in all England's 39 traditional shires in just eight days.

Rural Entrepreneur of the Year, sponsored by Clarion, went to Andrew Mear of Skipton who has renovated the town's ancient Corn Mill, turning it into a green enterprise.

The Artistic & Cultural Achievement Award, sponsored by Welcome to Yorkshire, was presented to representatives from Swaledale Festival which this year once again brought top class entertainment, art and visitors to the Dales.

Read more about their achievements and the show in next August's Dalesman.