THE directors of a local social enterprise have been named among the top 100 young entrepreneurs for 2011.

Ben and Lois Samuel of Risdon Enterprises CIC have been announced as one of the Future 100 Young Social Entrepreneurs of the Year.

The Future 100 Awards were launched in 2008 to recognise the success of young entrepreneurs aged 18 to 35, who demonstrate entrepreneurial flair running businesses which have a triple bottom line.

This means that as well as a strong commercial foundation, they have a significant social and environmental impact.

Risdon Enterprises CIC is a registered social enterprise working in collaboration with the Gilead Foundations charity, both of which are based at Risdon Farm at Jacobstowe.

The enterprise provides a holistic training programme to vulnerable adults who are dealing with life controlling addictions such as alcoholism.

The programme comprises of two phases — a 24 week relapse prevention programme and a 20 week resettlement into society.

Lois Samuel said: 'It is a privilege to receive such an award, and having the Future 100 Award will help us with future developments, and with future funding opportunities so we can help more and more people who are struggling with life controlling problems.'

Therapy for those in relapse prevention is provided through working on the farm. Training is given in animal husbandry, milk retail, building and maintenance, and other various fields alongside basic life skills.

The farm also runs a dairy, selling milk, cheese, eggs and other local produce.

The aim is to build up the farming business to sustain the work of the rehabilitation programme.

People can have milk, eggs and cream delivered to their door to help support the work of the charity. To organise deliveries, call 01837 851240.

For more information on the work of the Gilead Foundations charity, visit http://www.gilead.org.uk">www.gilead.org.uk