A North Lincolnshire farmer who threw herself into the trade after growing up on her family's farm has spoken of her "shock" to win a Rural Oscar award for best food in the region.

Amie Witter-Smith, 31, helps to run East Marsh Farm in Goxhill as part of her family's business, R&J Witter Farms. As well as undertaking farming duties, Amie sells their much-loved meat products at local farmers' markets and the pop-up farm shop two Fridays a month.

She also delivers talks - in person and via Zoom - to pupils at schools across the country in a bid to teach them about where their food comes from.

She was left "speechless" when she learned recently that her family's farm had won the title of best food and drink at the Countryside Alliance Awards - also known as the Rural Oscars - and will be presented her award at a ceremony at the House of Lords next month.

Speaking about winning the incredible award, Amie told Grimsby Live:

"I just couldn't believe it - we're a little farm tucked away in Goxhill, so I was shocked, but obviously very happy.

"I was even more shocked when I got an email to say we'd won. I'd been thinking, 'we won't have won', and didn't think for one minute that we would - it was just nice to be nominated and recognised - but when I found out, I was just speechless. It was such a weird moment.

Amie is also passionate about educating young people on the farming industry. "I just try and do my bit to promote British farming, because it's my life," she said.

"I go into schools and teach children what's involved in farming and where their food comes from, and sometimes I connect my phone to Zoom to give the pupils a tour of the farm. I recently did that with a school in London, where a lot of the pupils don't even have a garden.

I'm a mum and I know how lucky my children are to have so much outdoor space, but there are so many kids in the country who have never set foot on a farm and don't know where their food comes from."

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Announcing the winners on their website, Countryside Alliance wrote: "Not only do East Marsh Farm sell their wonderful locally produced beef at farmers’ markets, they also have a pop-up shop and provide supportive days on the farm where other local small businesses can come and sell their goods such as cakes, flowers, eggs, vegetables, and more.

"They are a friendly and helpful team that will go the extra mile for their customers and are always eager to help out other rural small businesses and producers.

"Amie is an absolute force of nature and drives the business forward with her dedication and passion for their herd and farming, and also takes time to educate children in schools and the wider public on farming and its importance to the community and the world."