Two finalists from Leicestershire have been shortlisted in the 2010 Farmers Weekly Awards being held on Thursday 7th October at the Grosvenor House Hotel on London's Park Lane.

Andrew Rees from Gaulby Lodge Farm in Kings Norton is up for Young Farmer of the Year. 

Andrew has created a profitable and sustainable business and impressed the judges with his knowledge sharing and his engagement with the general public.

The second Leicestershire farm on the shortlist is Jan McCourt and Sons from Northfield Farm in Oakham who is up for Local Food Farmer of the Year.

Jan McCourt and Sons have developed their farm shop business after spotting a market for rare-breed meats. The judges were impressed with their entrepreneurial approach to business diversification and Jan's enthusiasm for nurturing his son Leo to run the farming side of the business.

All finalists are up against two others in their category and have been picked from over 170 farmers that have entered in this year's Awards. There are 45 businesses in the shortlist reflecting the very best that British producers can offer across 15 categories.

The Awards' aim is to recognise innovation and achievement among individual farmers as well as celebrate excellence within the industry.