The owner of an Essex vineyard has expressed delight after scooping a farming accolade.

East Anglian Daily Times: Winners of the over 700 acres to go with the Farms Competition Robert Schwier, left, and Andrew Schwier Picture: NICK GUNN PHOTOGRAPHYWinners of the over 700 acres to go with the Farms Competition Robert Schwier, left, and Andrew Schwier Picture: NICK GUNN PHOTOGRAPHY (Image: Nick Gunn Photography)

Angus Crowther, of Tuffon Hall, scooped the conservation award at the annual Essex County Farms Competition, which this year was judged by Suffolk farmers.

Farms over 700 acres winners were: 1st Schwier Farms, Nether Hall, Moreton, Harlow; 2nd Hamford Farming, Dairy House Farm, Little Clacton, Clacton-on-Sea; 3rd Tritton Farming Partnership, Lowleys Farm, Gt Leighs, Chelmsford; Conservation Award: Angus Crowther, Tuffon Hall Vineyard, Castle Hedingham, Halstead; Diversification Award: Schwier Farms, Nether Hall, Ongar; Best Crop of Wheat: Hamford Farming, Frinton-on-Sea; Farms under 700 acres: 1st Kit Speakman (Braxted) Ltd, Little Braxted Hall, Little Braxted, near Witham; 2nd C Grimwood & Son, Tattersalls Farm, Sible Hedingham; 3rd Jim McNair, Dickley Hall, Mistley, Manningtree; Conservation & Diversfication Awards: Kit Speakman (Braxted) Ltd, Witham; Best Crop of Wheat: Jim McNair, Dickley Hall, Mistley, Manningtree.