Tom Darby, one of this year's winners

Both the children and the animals they prepared were among the prize-winners at a series of shows attended by teams from the working farm at the independent School near Tewkesbury.

School Principal David Keyte said: “These results are a testament to the expertise of our farm staff and the dedication of our pupils, many of whom gave up their own time to prepare for the shows.”

Farm Manager Charlie Slatter said a particular highlight had been the Three Counties Show, where Bredon School had its best-ever year: “Pupils in the young handlers’ classes won two first prizes and we had four of the top six young pig handlers in a class of 12. They all practised a lot at school and worked hard at the show to get their animals ready.”

The Three Counties successes included Year 6 pupil Isobel Williams who won first place at her first-ever show in the Young Pig Handler for ages 8-12 class. Year 6 pupil Tim Pearce-May showed a Scottish Blackface Yearling and won 1st place in the Any Other Hill Breed Yearling Ewe category and Reserve Champion Any Other Hill Breed Sheep.

Sixth-Former Geoffrey Williams not only took second place in a pig-showing class, but also met Prince Charles. When Prince Charles asked Geoffrey where he had done his work experience Geoffrey told the heir to the throne that he had worked in ‘your mother’s back garden’ – as Geoffrey’s work placement had been at Buckingham Palace!

Prize-winning Bredon Walter

Another summer highlight was the success of the school’s pedigree bull Bredon Walter, who was awarded the prestigious South Devon Herdbook Society Bull of the Year. The prize was awarded for accumulating most points at shows during the 2006 season. His handler, Farm Assistant Jenny Parkes, collected the prize. Jenny also took second place in the Beef Stockman class at The Royal Show.

ENDS

Issued on behalf of Bredon School by Edge Media

MEDIA CONTACTS: Mr David Keyte on 01684 293156 or Paul Herbert on 01453 842020