Members of Somerset Young Farmers Club have been learning vital farm machinery safety skills.

Attending a machinery maintenance and safety workshop, the young farmers were taught best practice, safety and maintenance by industry experts.

This included the importance of safety checks and hands-on sessions on getting the most out of tractors and keeping all kinds of equipment well maintained.

The event came to Somerset as part of a series of free workshops supported by agricultural equipment manufacturer AGCO Parts and charity the Farm Safety Foundation across the UK.

Stephanie Berkeley, Manager of the Farm Safety Foundation, explained: “Farming has the poorest safety records of any occupation in the UK, a statistic we’re trying to change.

"By preparing the next generation of farmers to be responsible, confident and safe in a farm environment, we can help prevent accidents.

“We spoke to the young farmers about why safety should matter to them, highlighting the severe and potentially fatal accidents that can occur. It is essential safe practice is engrained in young farmers from the very start of their careers.”

The event, which took place at MST South Petherton, was organised by Massey Ferguson and Crewkerne Young Farmers Club.

Lindsay Haddon of Massey Ferguson said: “As a leading manufacturer of agricultural equipment, Massey Ferguson is committed to the promotion of safety and the correct use and maintenance of machines.

"These workshops are an excellent way of building awareness, sharing good practices and communicating a strong farm safety message to young people.”