A DAIRY worker from Mid Devon has been awarded a £1,000 scholarship towards his studies after being crowned this year’s Wyke Farms winner in the West Country Dairy Awards.

Will Slade, from Chawleigh, near Chulmleigh, was awarded the prize by UK independent cheese producer and milk processor Wyke Farms – and said he was delighted to win the prize.

He said: “As my vacation periods will now be spent undertaking vital work experience as a vet student, instead of working on the family farm, this funding will help support me with my dayto- day living costs at university.

“Through my studies I will gain an improved understanding of how to treat animals, as well as knowledge of diseases which could pose a threat to my livestock, all of which I can put into practice back in the field.”

Will is studying for a degree in veterinary medicine at the University of Cambridge and has always been actively involved in his family’s dairy farm, where about 200 organic dairy shorthorns are kept.

Rich Clothier, managing director and third generation family member at Wyke Farms, said: “We are proud to be supporting the future of dairy farming and to be able to help students such as Will, through their studies.

“Will came across as very self-motivated and passionate about dairy farming with a strong level of business awareness and determination – a rare combination to find in a 21-year-old today.”