Conrad Lester, of Manor Farm in Radclive collected a Gold Award at the Warburtons 2008 Golden Loaf Awards in recognition of his commitment to growing some of the UK's best quality wheat.

Mr Lester beat 300 fellow farmers who are part of a supply contract between Centaur Grain and Warburtons and produce Hereward Milling Wheat to a strict criteria.

Graham Lacey, Centaur's commercial grain director said: "The award itself is not simply about quality, although this is the major element. Growers also score points for their volume, location, flexibility and information management – all important elements in selecting the best."

Warburtons purchasing director Bob Beard said the awards showed how committed they were to supporting UK farmers.

He added: "Warburtons' UK wheat growing programme is unique and the quality standards rigorous."

Mr Lester said he was thrilled at the award and added: "This award proves we are achieving our quality objectives with the grain we produce."

He is the third generation to run the farm and thanked farm staff Rachel Carpenter and David Dunkley for their support.

He put the reason for success down to attention to detail – and a little luck with the weather.

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