TWO charities vital to Cumbria’s rural communities will be given a much-needed funding boost from a Live Auction taking place at this year’s Cumbria Farmer Awards.

The Farming Community Network (FCN) and the Great North Air Ambulance Service (GNAAS) are the chosen charities for the awards taking place on Friday, August 16 at the Greenhill Hotel, Wigton.

The 2024 awards, now in their fourth year, are launched by Newsquest Cumbria in partnership for the second year running with Cumbrian accountants David Allen, who has donated a hamper of local produce to be drawn on the night.

Georgina Lamb, FCN senior partnerships manager, said: “Huge thanks to the Cumbria Farmer Awards for their valuable continued support of the work of FCN and to the farming and business community for contributing to the raffle and auction.”

The Live Auction will be hosted by compere, John Wharton, Cumbrian farmer and Livestock Auctioneer at Darlington Farmers Auction Mart with proceeds going to the chosen two charities. Last year a staggering £8,000 was raised from the Live Auction for the two charities.

For this year’s Live Auction businesses have dug deep and these include: Lloyd Ltd, Carlisle-based Lawncare Equipment specialists – MM2605, a five-in-one multi-tool powered by a two-stroke engine. Cumbrian-based Paragon Veterinary Group – A morning of Paragon Vet Tech services. Cranstons Butchers Ltd – A gourmet BBQ selection consisting of locally-sourced BBQ goods. Cumbrian-based Aspatria Farmers – Two bags of Eden Gold grass seeds. Hopes of Wigton – A Mule gimmer lamb from a renowned Cumbrian breeder. Tilia Restaurant, a new modern European restaurant based at Station Street in Cockermouth has donated a voucher. Leeds Rhinos – Invitation for four to watch a Rhinos home Super League game at AMT Headingley. In The Vale Handcrafted cabins owned by the Birkett family of Birkett Mire, Keswick, have donated a three night stay away in Barley or Beltie Barn, complemented with a local produce hamper and bottle of fizz on arrival. Gillian Potts, award-winning Cumbrian baker, is to donate one of her legendary cakes.

Joy Yates, regional editor for Newsquest Cumbria said: “Events like this make me so proud to work in Cumbria. The generosity shown by businesses and sponsors for these two worthwhile charities is staggering.”