AN ENTERPRISE near the Lancashire and Yorkshire border has been given a remarkable helping hand to branch out even further.

Nick Green, of Incredible Edible Todmorden’s farm in nearby Walsden, has been given a £6,000 award after being named a runner-up in the Lloyds Bank Social Entrepreneurs Programme.

Supporters of the public growing initiative have been looking to extend their four-acre site, with the offer of a couple of fields close by, and the cash will be a large step towards that goal.

‘Farmer Nick’ said: “I was tremendously proud to have been named as a finalist in the awards, so to be named runner-up is particularly special.

“The training and support I received as part of the Social Entrepreneurs Programme has been invaluable in helping me develop Incredible Farm and the £6,000 prize will go a long way in helping the project develop.”

The overall winner, from a nationwide pool, was Jem Stein of The Bike Project, which refurbishes cycles for refugees in London, while third place went to Michelle King, whose charity Little Miracles assists children with life-limiting conditions and disabilities.

Alastair Wilson, chief executive of the School for Social Entrepreneurs, said: “It has been fantastic to see Nick’s project develop. I am thrilled that he has been named runner-up in the awards.

“All of this year’s finalists have worked incredibly hard to get this far and continue to provide tangible benefits in the communities they serve.”

The past five years has seen the initiative install planting beds across the town, with corn grown outside the police station and herbs and root crops in the shadow of Todmorden Community College. The farm has also grown to host fruit trees, as well as traditional plots, a flock of Christmas geese and two milk cows, Rhubarb and Custard. Nick has been grateful for the practical support offered by the Lloyds programme because, as he says: “It’s a lonely life amongst the carrots.”

Paula Rogers, head of the Lloyds programme, further added: “All five finalists for the award this year demonstrated their dedication to making a difference and being sustainable enterprises.”