LINCOLNSHIRE S Agricultural Chaplain, Rev Canon Alan Robson, has been named the Rural Hero of 2009 at Countryside Alliance Awards at Parliament on 3rd February. The fifth annual Countryside Alliance Awards, nicknamed the Rural Oscars, were launched last

LINCOLNSHIRE'S Agricultural Chaplain, Rev Canon Alan Robson, has been named the Rural Hero of 2009 at Countryside Alliance Awards at Parliament on 3rd February.

The fifth annual Countryside Alliance Awards, nicknamed the Rural Oscars, were launched last September and attracted record 2,500 nominations from across Britain. The Awards run across five categories: local food; village shop/ Post Office; enterprise, traditional business and Rural Hero. The Rural Hero category is a special award which rewards a selfless individual who works hard for the countryside and community around him or her.

Countryside Alliance Chief Executive Simon Hart announced the winners at the grand final, held at the House of Lords, on Wednesday 3rd February. The reception was packed with rural businessmen and women all hoping for a British title, and all supported by Parliamentarians. Countryside Alliance Chief Executive Simon Hart read out the citations, and was proud to announce the Rural Hero result to a visibly shocked and delighted Rev Canon Robson, who picked up his award from National Judge Clarissa Dickson Wright. Simon Hart said:

"This year's Rural Hero is someone for whom serving the countryside isn't so much a job as a calling, having been Lincolnshire's Agricultural Chaplain for the past 10 years. He formed the Lincolnshire Farmer Support Group, which is run by a group of volunteers with a wide understanding of farming issues and offers a confidential telephone helpline.

"As well as this, Reverend Canon Alan Robson works with local groups to support the migrant worker population which contributes significantly to the area. Alan's most recent achievement is the Epic Project, a centre for innovation to explore new technologies and responses to global warming.

"The centre was his brainchild and through his determination the �6.2 million building which was opened last summer. Alan Robson is a heroic character with a passion for agriculture, food production and pastoral care. Alan, you are very much appreciated and it is a pleasure to ask you to accept this award.