BEEKEEPER William Bolton is the winner of the Exmoor Society’s 2019 Pinnacle Award for young entrepreneurs.

William, 22, who went to school in Wiveliscombe, learned the art of beekeeping from his grandfather, and is determined to follow in his footsteps by producing heather honey from hives on Exmoor.

He will continue the practice of moving hives on and off the moor by reviving these sites, finding new ones and building a thriving enterprise which he will call WBee, using his initials.

After leaving school, William spent some time in New Zealand working on two very different bee farms before returning to Somerset.

He said it was an honour to have been chosen by The Exmoor Society for the award: “I look forward to growing my business for the benefit of the environment and my community.”

The annual award, worth £3,000 and sponsored by the Cave Foundation, is open to 18 to 27-year-olds who live, work or study in the Greater Exmoor Area with an idea for a business venture.

Speaking for the judges, Exmoor Society trustee Jackie Smith said: “We felt his project met all our criteria for a young, local man creating his own business in succession to a family member and making the very best use of the Exmoor environment.

“He presented a very detailed five-year business plan, showed us images of a new and more practical style of hive which he is developing and constructing himself, and he gave us a very clear insight into his plans for growing the business and doing something useful to protect and promote the natural assets that Exmoor has to offer.

“In addition, he is already very knowledgeable about his subject and an interesting and engaging speaker who we were convinced will be a fine ambassador for the Pinnacle Award.”