One of the top awards from the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution has been won by the Norfolk team of fundraisers.The Sam Taylor Cup was presented to Sally Mitchell, secretary of Norfolk RABI, at the annual meeting in Oxfordshire.

One of the top awards from the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution has been won by the Norfolk team of fundraisers.

The Sam Taylor Cup was presented to Sally Mitchell, secretary of Norfolk RABI, at the annual meeting in Oxfordshire.

The trophy was awarded to the county with the most improved fund-raising record and followed Norfolk's success at raising more than £40,000 - the second-highest total in the country. Kent topped the league with £48,000.

Mrs Mitchell, who has been secretary for past 22 years, had no idea Norfolk was in the running for a trophy. She said: "We knew that Kent was miles ahead. I'm delighted for our team because everyone has worked so hard in staging the Norfolk Farmers' Ball last year and all the other events."

Since the cup was first presented, Norfolk has won it four times in 30 years. "Norfolk won the cup in 1976 and then in 1989, again in 1992 and finally in 2006," said Mrs Mitchell, of Hall Farm, Repps with Bastwick, near Acle.

She received the cup with Jenny Youngs, of Brampton, near Aylsham, who also helped to mastermind the highly-successful summer ball.

"I've been very lucky to have such a good committee and the support of a very keen chairman, Sir John White. There has also been very encouraging backing for Sue Williams, who is trying to raise the profile of RABI in West Norfolk," said Mrs Mitchell, who retired two years ago as a vice-chairman of the charity.

And she was particularly delighted that farmer Chris Harrold, of Oulton, near Aylsham, raised a total of £9,500 by running in the London Marathon. A donation of £150 has also been made by Holt and District Farmers' Club.

"I'm very hopeful that I might get to five figures because one or two more donations have yet to come in," added Chris.