YOUNG farmers from across Wiltshire headed down to Newquay to take park in the South West Area Weekend from March 1 until 3. 

And there were cheers all round as Wiltshire YFC member James, from Malmesbury YFC, won the Junior Member of the Year competition.

A spokesperson for Wiltshire YFC said: "It shows what wonderful members we have in Wiltshire YFC. James' hard work both in and out of YFC shone through to the judges who could see what a kind, hard working young man he is.

"James presented the judges with a presentation as well as an interview. All of the competitors had already been through a county round before reaching SWA and he will now go forward to the national finals.

"James his family and all of Wiltshire were thrilled with the results."

Other achievements for Wiltshire YFC included:

  • Hermione Moore came fourth in the Senior Member of the Year competition. She organises the Devizes YFC Tractor Run which raises thousands for charity. 
  • George, Ruby and Alex from Devizes came fourth in the Junior Reading Competition, and Alex took best chairman overall. 
  • A Wiltshire YFC member also came second in the sand castle building competition.

"We also entered the show choir where we filled the team with the maximum of 20 members but could have easily signed up more," added the spokesperson.

"We have not entered this competition as a county for numerous years so it was fantastic to see so many members so keen to enter it. Our county chairman Jonny Taylor and vice chairman Rob Gooding took the lead with the support of several other members, such as Francesca Mylchreest who helped with costume and music.

"We may have not provided the best solos but we brought the entertainment value and had a fantastic time performing with a great audience participation. I know this has encouraged Wiltshire members to come back stronger with the performing arts so watch this space! 

"Best of all though every member had a lot of fun came together and supported each other- it was the biggest crowd of supporters I've ever seen from Wiltshire watching the disco dancing and choir. And made memories that will last them a life time.

"A big thank you to the SWA team lead by Sophie Olds from Cornwall for organising the weekend and to our Wiltshire county officers Jonny, Rob Ellie, Henry and Luke for all of their help."