RACHEL Churches was nominated for being ‘a great ambassador for the farming industry’.

She was among those recognised at the 2014 Pride of Somerset Youth Awards.

The 18-year-old from Godney, near Wells, won the trainee dairy student award while working on a farm near Langport, then she went on to win the overall ‘It’s all about dairy’ award which was presented at the Dairy Show at the Bath and West Show ground.

Her nomination said: “She really stands out as a person who is very positive about the industry and has worked very hard to get where she has.

“We feel she would be a great ambassador for the farming industry in Somerset and showing everyone that it isn’t just a male industry.

“She is very passionate about encouraging young people into the industry.”

The awards are run by the Rotary Club of Taunton, your Somerset County Gazette, Bridgwater Mercury, Chard and Ilminster News, Burnham and Highbridge Weekly News and local radio station BBC Somerset.

A prize fund came from sponsorship from the Rotary Club, Avon and Somerset Constabulary, Somerset Cricket Museum and Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service Certificates were presented at Somerset College’s conference centre in Taunton, which was provided free by the college.

To watch video footage from the ceremony, which took place on March 7, see below.