The Exmoor Society is to give more help to young people through the Pinnacle Award.

The 2020 Pinnacle Award has been increased to £5000 and it has been extended to young people between 18 and 35 years old.

Set up in 2011, the award is open to an individual or group who lives, works or studies in the greater Exmoor area and has an idea for a land-based business venture.

Previous applications have come from ideas as diverse as cider-making, developing a herd of pedigree cattle, country clothing, setting up an agricultural and forestry contracting businesses, bee-keeping with honey production and outdoor tourist activities.

The deadline for applying has also been extended, due to coronavirus. The closing date has been moved from the end of June to midnight on Monday, November 2.

The application process is designed to be accessible to all with a basic form to complete and an informal interview to be held in November.

Rachel Thomas, chairman of The Exmoor Society, said: “As a landscape conservation charity we fully recognise the importance of providing opportunities for people to live in the area, undertaking jobs, showing beautiful landscapes and livelihoods can go together in National Parks.”

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