ONE young farmer had more reasons than most to celebrate his A-level results after winning a full £9,000 a year university scholarship.

Will Taylor, 18, from Thirsk, not only secured a place at Harper Adams University, but was also confirmed as the winner of the Rabobank Agri-food Scholarship.

The award, sponsored by Rabobank the global food and agricultural bank, is worth £9,000 in each of three years of his degree programme.

It also includes a one-year paid work placement with Marks & Spencer.

Andrew Franklin, Rabobank’s Head of HR, Wholesale Europe, said: “Students like William will play an integral role in developing a lasting food and agribusiness industry in the years to come.”

In his scholarship application, Will wrote an essay discussing sustainability challenges faced by food retailers such as Marks and Spencer.

He then joined fellow shortlisted candidates at an interview day, during which he stood out to the judging panel of representatives from the university, Rabobank and Marks & Spencer.

Will, who has plenty of agriculture experience from his family’s mixed farm, was thrilled to receive the award.

He said: “The degree course at Harper is ideal for me because it combines food with business - a subject I have a growing interest in.

Sue Bell, food technical executive at Marks & Spencer, said: “A year with us will be challenging but also very rewarding.”