The Cumbria Federation of Young Farmers' Clubs are promoting the work of their volunteers after a national award victory.
The organisation received the King's Award for Voluntary Services 2023 on Tuesday, recognising their work in the community.
The Mail can now introduce you to the people in the local area who have helped make their groups a success.
Bradley Troughton of Broughton YFC said: "I joined Broughton roughly 10 years ago this year following some gentle persuasion from my friends as I was quite a shy lad growing up through school, which was soon sorted by YFC!
"I started volunteering because organisations such as YFC don’t just run without the help of members and even if it’s just the little things it all adds up and helps.”
John Dickinson has been working with Cartmel YFC since the early 1980s, joining when he was 13 years old.
"I felt I gained so much out of it as an active member in terms of life-long friendships, confidence, the ability to speak in public and learning how to successfully run business meetings.
"If others hadn’t been willing to help within the organisation in the 80s, I wouldn’t have been able to enjoy all the great things YFC had to offer - now it is my turn to give something back for future generations.”
The current President of the Southern District is Phil Slater, who joined Furness YFC at the age of 13.
Mr Slater said: "I think it’s vital for people that live in rural areas to get the chance to join a club where all the members have many things in common.
"The social side is great, but in terms of well-being and mental health, young farmers is so important as living out in the country can be a lonely place and clubs offer a great opportunity for young people to get together.”
Over at Lowick YFC, John Longmire was initially 'forced' by his parents to join the group, though has since found a real calling as part of that community.
"It has given me great pleasure in mentoring the young farmers of today, seeing them develop from shy individuals to be able to speak and perform in front of large audiences or hold their own in a debate with confidence.
"I got a lot out of being a young farmer but I feel I have had every bit as much enjoyment helping the members of today.”
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