A YOUNG sheep farmer has been selected to be the voice of the region in a national conversation about the future of the industry.

Thomas Vickers, from Tow Law, County Durham, is one of 12 young people from across the UK to be selected for the National Sheep Association’s (NSA) Next Generation Ambassador programme.

The former Barnard Castle School pupil will attend five sessions over the next 12 months, combining a mixture of classroom based activities, farm walks and site visits.

The aim is encourage personal and technical development, share best practice and promote discussion to increase knowledge of the sector.

It is hoped the ambassadors will also gain the skills to promote the sheep sector to the wider public, encourage other young farmers and tackle issues facing sheep keepers around the UK.

Mr Vickers, 22, who grew up on his family’s farm Thornley Hall, near Tow Law, said: “I have wanted to be a farmer from a young age. This is a fantastic opportunity to meet like-minded people from across the country.”

Joanne Briggs, NSA communications manager, said: “It was fantastic to hear from so many worthy candidates this year, and with the standard of entrants is rising year on year, these young people really are a credit to the industry. Some very tough decisions were made during the interview process.”