THE BBC is set to launch its 2015 farming heroes award – recognising the farmer who has gone the extra mile to help others.

The BBC Countryfile's Farming Heroes Award 2015 will be launched on Sunday, 1 February.

Launched by TV presenter Adam Henson, it aims to recognise the unsung people and families who have gone above and beyond to help their farming friends and neighbours.

The Countryfile Farming Heroes Award is part of the BBC's annual Food and Farming Awards.

As well as Mr Henson, judges include Charlotte Smith, from BBC Radio Four Farming Today; and farmer Mike Gooding, who sits on the BBC Rural Affairs Committee.

A spokesman for Countryfile said: "We'll celebrate the achievements of truly remarkable people who make our countryside a better place."

Finalists will feature on the Countryfile programme in April, and the winner will be announced at an award ceremony at the Bristol Food Connections festival on 30 April.

Nominations will open on Sunday 1 February and close on Monday 16 February. To make a nomination, visit www.bbc.co.uk/countryfile.