There's been some positive news from the Covid-19 hit show circuit – Neilston Show has been honoured with a Queen's Award for voluntary service, believed to be the only agricultural show in Scotland to do get such an honour.

Deemed the highest award a voluntary group can receive in the UK, it is a significant achievement for any charity or business, never mind a farming event.

The society is one of 230 charities, social enterprises and voluntary groups to receive the prestigious award this year. The Queen’s Award recognises outstanding work by volunteer groups to benefit local communities.

It was created in 2002 to celebrate the Queen’s Golden Jubilee, with recipients announced on June 2, the anniversary of the Queen’s Coronation.

Representatives of Neilston Agricultural Society will receive the award from Colonel Peter McCarthy, Lord Lieutenant of Renfrewshire, later this summer.

The show's president, Ronnie Melrose, said: “We are delighted to receive the Queen's Award, which recognises all the volunteers who give their time throughout the year to make the show happen, and the many organisations and helpers who turn up on the first Saturday in May, come rain or shine, to make sure the show is a great day out for all the family."

He added: “Our educational marquee was a key factor in deciding the award. The tent has grown over 20 years to become a 200-feet long showcase for more than 30 exhibitors of farming and traditional crafts, from bee-keeping to sheep shearing.

"This display area allows youngsters of all ages to get up close with livestock and see working demonstrations of 'field to fork' skills."

"While we were all disappointed that current circumstances meant our show had to be cancelled in 2020, receiving the Queen's Award is a piece of good news which will encourage all our volunteers to organise a great Neilston Show in 2021."