Mole Valley Farmers (www.molevalleyfarmers.com) have announced D’Arcie Rice, from The Royal Agricultural University Cirencester, (RAU) as the Outstanding Student and overall winner of their 2015 Uni In My Wellies competition.

Harper Adams University was the winning team, although the accolade was hotly contested throughout by the opposing 10 students from The Royal Agricultural University Cirencester, (RAU). D’Arcie’s prize consists of ‘The Work Placement Money Couldn’t Buy’, a bespoke three days shadowing Mole Valley Farmers professionals, £200 of Mole Valley Farmers vouchers, and a pair of prestigious Aigle wellies.

The Harper Adams University team received The Welly Trophy, while each student who actively participated on social media and submitted their final reviews has been given £50 of Mole Valley Farmers’ vouchers.

The Uni In My Wellies competition involved each of the 20 participating students being given a brand of boots to trial. Their task was to put them through their paces and use social media to share their progress, before finally reviewing them. To see the teams’ inputs, go to #uniinmywellies. The #MuddyWellyChallenge was a spin off fundraising idea similar to the Ice Bucket Challenge, to support the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution, an agricultural charity.

Mole Valley Farmer’s Product Manager Helene Bellerby, dubbed Queen Wellington for the duration of the Uni in My Wellies projects, said:

“Well done to both teams, who put the boots through their paces, and shared their experiences on social media and via the reviews; we have really appreciated all the feedback.

Big congratulations to D’Arcie for being this year’s worthy winner, with special mentions to Mollie Phillips for her excellent efforts with the #MuddyWellyChallenge, Charlotte Garbutt for her tweeting, Harriet Gregory for being great on Instagram and to Jodie Hill and Archie Cursham for their fantastic photos that can be seen at www.molevalleyfarmers.com/mvf/info/news/uni-in-my-wellies-gallery-year-2.”

Helene concluded:

“We wish both teams of students the best of luck in their future endeavors at university and subsequent careers and have offered our ongoing support if they feel that there is anything Mole Valley Farmers can help with in the future.”