A north Norfolk family farm has been honoured with a national award in celebration of its potato growing.

LF Papworth Ltd, based at Felmingham near North Walsham, scooped Potato Grower of the Year at the UK Grower Awards which celebrate the best of UK horticulture.

The mixed farming business grows a wide range of crops including cereals, oilseed rape, sugar beet, potatoes, peas and beans - and also has a large sheep and cattle enterprise.

In a contract capacity the firm annually farms on behalf of more than 20 landowners.

Tim Papworth, joint managing director and chairman of the NFU regional Horticulture and Potatoes Board, said: 'We are all over the moon. I'm very proud of what the staff have done here at LF Papworth and I picked up the award for them.'

The farm currently employs 12 people and has been growing potatoes in Norfolk since 1926.

They supply a variety of potatoes to supermarkets nationwide as well as growing for a number of companies such as McCain, Albert Bartlett, Kettle Chips and McDonald's.

Mr Papworth said: 'This year we grew two new varieties and next year we will grow one new one.

'We like to try new varieties to see if they yield better and try new tastes.'

In 2014 the farm supplied 7,552 tons of potatoes from the farm and, of that, 1,475 tons were salad potatoes.

Talking of the difficulties that have faced farmers this year Mr Papworth said: 'It's been a difficult season for everyone with the current prices and the unseasonably warm temperature hasn't helped.'

LF Papworth beat DeliciouslYorkshire Produce to win the award which was presented at a ceremony held at the Grand Connaught Rooms in London.

Has your farm been recognised for excellence? Email kate.royall@archant.co.uk