A shepherdess turned television star and bestselling author has been named Yorkshirewoman of the Year.
Former Newsome woman Amanda Owen, who is shortly expecting her eighth child, keeps 1,000 sheep in one of the most remote farms in Britain, at the head of the River Swale.
And judges at the Dalesman Awards, who included Welcome to Yorkshire boss Gary Verity and television presenter Alan Titchmarsh, said Amanda has inspired millions of people and boosted tourism in the Dales.
A clearly emotional Amanda, 41, who left said she was shocked and honoured to receive the award.
After three years as the star of ITV’s prime time hit The Dales, Amanda has challenged viewers to look at the countryside and those who work there with new appreciation.
From her remote farm, this extraordinary Yorkshirewoman has done a huge amount to boost tourism in rural Yorkshire.
The tables were turned on Gary Verity when he won a surprise award. Gary and the Welcome to Yorkshire team won a Special Award for Outstanding Contribution to Yorkshire in recognition of the Tour de France and the Tour de Yorkshire, two massive cycle races which brought the sport to Huddersfield.
And continuing the cycling theme, legendary cyclist Brian Robinson picked up the Lifetime Achievement award.
The Ravensthorpe-born man was the first Briton to finish the Tour de France and the first to win a Tour stage.
His first cycling experience was with Huddersfield Road Club. Mr Robinson now lives in Mirfield.
Presenting him with the honour, Mr Verity said he was sure the Tour would never have come to Yorkshire without the help of Mr Robinson.
The trophy for Yorkshire Food and Drink Producer of the Year Award was presented to Lottie Shaw’s, the Elland-based bakery which sells Yorkshire parkin, biscuits and flapjacks around Britain and even further afield.
The Dalesman Awards, now in their ninth year, celebrate the best of Yorkshire, with a particular focus on the countryside. This year’s ceremony was held at Utopia, Broughton Hall, near Skipton, and was hosted by broadcaster and writer Ian McMillan.
Dalesman editor Adrian Braddy told the assembled audience, “There is much that is great about Yorkshire and the judges have had a very tough time trying to choose between the shortlisted candidates.
“Each of our winners is a real inspiration to others and they demonstrate the amazing diversity and talent that we have in bucket-loads in Yorkshire.”
The judging panel was: Linda Pollard, Keith Madeley, Gary Verity, Alan Titchmarsh, Adrian Braddy and Robert Flanagan.
