AMBITIOUS Nantwich student Andy Wilson carried off the Young Shepherd of the Year title at the National Sheep Association's winter fair last week.

The competition drew contestants from several counties and consisted of five demanding elements.

Competitors graded lambs to prove they understood the requirements of the butchery trade.

They also demonstrated practical skills in four wheel drive vehicle handling, shearing and stock duties such as handling, foot care, vaccinating and medication dosing.

Their theoretical knowledge was also tested with a written paper covering 20 questions on flock management and health issues.

The competition was hotly contested with few points deciding the top placings, but in the end 19 year-old Andy took home the first prize of £275 plus £50 for the best entrant aged 21 or under.

He also qualified for the NSA Young Shepherd of the Year national finals in 2012.

An agriculture student at Reaseheath College in Nantwich, Andy lives on his family’s farm.

Tom Allen, also a Reaseheath student, was equal third in the competition, which took place at Bakewell Agricultural Centre.

Reaseheath’s sheep unit manager Matt Bagley and agriculture lecturers Phil Gibbon and Dave Bramhall ran the event, while the college’s agriculture students acted as stewards.

Bob Payne, chairman of NSA central region, said: “We have a responsibility to encourage the next generation and to ensure that they have the range of skills the modern shepherd needs.

"This means having a combination of manual skills and technical knowledge.

“We were delighted with the entries, which were of a very high standard and came from a wide geographical area. We were also tremendously impressed with how well it was organised by Reaseheath College.”

Andy said: “I can’t believe I did so well in such a strong field.

"All competitors were very close. I’d like to thank the NSA and Reaseheath College for running such a good competition.”