TEAMWORK between North Yorkshire trading standards and farming charity Farming Community Network (FCN) has been recognised with a national award.

Helen Benson, Yorkshire coordinator for the charity, received a Certificate of Commendation in the Chartered Trading Standards Institute’s Hero Awards after being nominated by North Yorkshire County Council’s trading standards team.

The award recognises the invaluable role Helen has played while working in partnership with trading standards for 15 years. One particular case involved her support in helping a farmer to regain control of his life after he faced animal welfare charges for neglecting his livestock.

Working with trading standards and the farming community, Helen found a solution that enabled the farmer to avoid prosecution and improved his welfare and that of his sheep. She attended safeguarding meetings and worked with the community to find support for the farmer.

Divisional trading standards officer Angela Lacy said: “Helen’s intervention means the sheep are being tended and no further issues have arisen since.

"The farmer has been able to maintain his status as a sheep farmer and the land his family has farmed for nearly 100 years, which was of huge importance to him and his mental well-being. And, importantly, no further breaches of animal health legislation have been identified.”

Working with the FCN enables trading standards to look at alternative options for people who could have found themselves before a court. As FCN coordinator for Yorkshire, Helen works with about 30 volunteers across the region.

“Our volunteers have an understanding of farming issues and ‘walk with’ farming people as long as required,” she said. “We support farmers and farming families in a variety of circumstances. Finance, health, tenancies and animal health are just a few. We are there alongside for as long as needed.

“Animal health issues can arise from different factors and usually include financial difficulties or the health of the farmer or the family. The ageing population and reduced workforce are also factors.

“Trading standards are aware of this and work with us to change the issues that cause animal health concerns and improve the situation.

“We work with farmers and families to comply with rules and regulations and avoid prosecutions, which seldom solve the issue and can cause immense harm and distress.

"Keeping farmers in good health and compliant with regulatory frameworks can avoid problems, which can escalate in some circumstances, affecting whole communities in turn.”

The FCN also works with other authorities throughout Yorkshire, including local authorities, vets, the British Cattle Movement Service, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and the Rural Payments Agency.

North Yorkshire County Councillor Chris Metcalfe, Executive Member for Trading Standards, said: “Working in partnership in this way is at the core of the county council’s thinking.

"We want to help communities thrive, and that involves wherever possible supporting people who are dealing with issues, including those related to isolation and loneliness.

"The support of Helen and the FCN has been invaluable in finding solutions that benefit individuals and the wider community in farming areas.”

The FCN’s national helpline on 03000 111 999 is open from 7am to 11pm every day of the year.