Junior Young Farmers from Harleston come away with a bumper crop of wins

Ellamae Hinsley from Flixton who goes to the junior section of Young Farmers at Harleston won the title Countrysider of the Year. Photo: Julie Hinsley (Image: Archant)

Harleston Countrysiders for 10 - 16 year olds won 'Countrysider of the Year', 'Stockman of the Year' and the prestigious Pig Trophy.

Fourteen-year-old Ellamae Hinsley from Flixton took the title of 'Countrysider of the Year' in December at the Winter Competitions Day.

She took part in frisbee, reading, space hopper, cooking and stock judging challenges at the fortnightly Harleston Countrysiders.

She then had to produce a portfolio of her work and afterwards talk about it to the judges.

Tom Alexander, Harleston Countrysider and winner of the 'Countrysider Stockman of The Year' award at The Royal Norfolk Show. Photo: Libby Alexander (Image: Archant)

'I didn't expect to win so I was shocked but very happy,' the youngster said.

'Being part of Harleston Countrysiders has made me more confident, given me lots of opportunities and has meant I've made friends across Norfolk.'

And this month eleven-year-old Tom Alexander from Roydon won 'Stockman of the Year' after entering The Royal Norfolk Show for the first time.

'It was my first time at The Norfolk Show and I didn't expect to come away with as much as I did.

'I'm quite a country boy so It's good to be with like-minded people - I'd love to be a livestock farmer one day,' he said.

Club leader Helen Reeve said: ' My members had a brilliant year, they hit the ground running back in September.

'They haven't stopped - they've thrown themselves at every competition that's come their way.

'They have a can-do attitude - they love coming to Countrysiders and its contagious.'

A team of eight members from Harleston Countrysiders entered The Royal Norfolk Show and each one of them picked up a rosette or trophy

They also mangaged to scoop The Pig Trophy - the cup for the highest scoring competitors in each class and the highest scoring club in the competition.

'It's not all about the winning - it's about camaraderie but it is a proud moment when one of your members win,' said club leader Helen Reeve.

'They really are a competitive group who want to get involved - for some reason this year they have really clicked.'

Anyone interested in joining Harleston Countrysiders should contact Helen Reeve on 07795327011 or hmreeve@msn.com