AN agricultural student from Corscombe is celebrating after being announced as a finalist for the 2015 Dairy Crest and NFU scholarship award.

Jennifer Diment, who is in her final year at Harper Adams University studying BSc agriculture with animal science, was one of three finalists.

Emma Cotton, of Somerset, was the overall winner. All of the finalists received a cash award.

Steve Harris, from Dairy Crest, said: “Emma is someone with real positive potential and the quizzical energy to succeed in making her mark on the dairy industry.

“She has a fully-rounded knowledge of dairy farming and learned very quickly from her practical experience on a 600-calf heifer rearing unit, and also from seeing a diverse range of systems while working for NMR.

“Clearly it was quite a surprise to Emma to see such a range within a few miles of her home on the Somerset Levels. It has made her aware of the significance of having a system which suits the farm and the farmer.”

The other finalists were Stephanie Christensen, from Pilton, Somerset, and William Slade, from Chawliegh in Devon.

The awards are in their 90th year and made to students from Cornwall, Devon, Dorset and Somerset who are studying dairy-related courses.