Framlingham teenager scoops Farm Student of the Year title

Rory Poacher, aged 18, from Framlingham, was shocked when he was singled out as its Farm Student of the Year.

He is about to complete his level three agriculture course at Suffolk Rural - the college's land-based arm which is based at Otley.

He works for Tunmore Contracting and said he was "thrown" when he scooped one of the 34 awards handed out at the college's showcase event.

Later in the year, he is hoping to head out to New Zealand to work on harvest out there.

"I couldn’t believe it when I won. It was a big shock. This will be a good thing to put on my CV," he said.

"The college has been good for me and I’ve learnt lots of different aspects including the science behind it.

"It has broadened my horizons. I’m part of a new generation of farmers to enter the industry. I just love the machinery side of it. My plan is to do a harvest in New Zealand this November.”

Rory’s tutor, Steve Lambert said: “Rory was an excellent student and we wish him well in his next chapter.”

Other landbased winners included Ethan Roberts (land-based engineering), Joel Cross (horticulture) Chloe Buxton (equine) and Ciaran Pallant (animal studies).

Suffolk New College's new principal, Alan Pease, paid tribute to his predecessor, Viv Gillespie, who died earlier this year.

He also looked forward to to exciting future projects - which include the launch of a farm shop later this year.

"I’d like to thank our wonderful and talented learners and staff for their efforts this year. I’m incredibly proud to be principal of this College. We have had an outstanding year," he said.

All winners received £150 worth of prizes or in cash as well as a certificate.

The prizes were sponsored by companies including Cephas Care and Alpha Nurseries - who were both gold sponsors.

Food was provided by learners from the Suffolk Centre for Culinary Arts.