YOUNG people who live, work or study in the Greater Exmoor area could be awarded funding towards their own business venture.

The Exmoor Society’s annual Pinnacle Award offers up to £3,000 to an individual or group who has an idea in relation to agriculture, forestry, conservation, horticulture, craft, tourism or any outdoor land-based activity.

The award, open to 18 to 27-year-olds, was set up by the Exmoor Society to help young entrepreneurs live and work on Exmoor and is now in its sixth year.

As a conservation body, the society recognises the importance of providing opportunities for young people to continue to live in the area when they enter the world of work.

Previous applications have come from people with ideas as diverse as making cider and developing a herd of pedigree cattle.

So far, the award has helped fund young people either to set up or take forward businesses such as agricultural contracting, country clothing and woodland management.

Last year’s winner was Tom Lile (pictured), a traditional blacksmith and metal-worker who wanted to invest in additional equipment to allow him to extend his capabilities in other metals.

This in turn would give him the chance to grow his business and, in the future, offer an apprenticeship to another young person. The application process is designed to be accessible to all with a basic form to complete and a reference provided by a mentor or sponsor.

Applicants will be invited to an informal interview where judges will be looking for business ventures related to Exmoor’s rural character and likely to provide a sustainable living primarily, with perhaps the potential in the future to offer further employment.

The closing date for this year’s applications is June 30. Forms are available on the Exmoor Society’s website or by contacting its Dulverton office on 01398 323335 or email [email protected].