A YOUNG farmer from Penrith has been crowned European junior champion at the international Holstein Young Breeders’ Show in Cremona, Italy.

Will Horsley, 16, a firstyear student at Newton Rigg College, Penrith, was a member of the UK team.

He was named champion after winning the clipping and stock judging sections, and coming second in showmanship.

He said: “Winning was a huge shock. I began showing when I was about ten-years-old, and I’ve won at local and national events but it was the first time at European level, and at such a big event.”

Will is very involved with the family farm at Catterlen, near Penrith, where he lives with parents Duncan and Helen, and younger brother Thomas, where they milk 180 pedigree Holsteins.

Wes Johnson, Newton Rigg principal, said: “We are tremendously proud of Will. What a terrific achievement to be the best in Europe.”

The other UK team members were Richard Armstrong of Great Salkeld, Penrith; Molly Westwood of Devon; and Andrew Struthers from Scotland.