The Melplash Agricultural Society Bursary scheme provides grants to local students aged 17 years and over who are planning to pursue courses in subjects connected to agriculture.

This year it has given £17,000 to be shared between 13 students.

Melplash Agricultural Society director George Rendell said: “The society sees encouraging youngsters into agriculture as a major responsibility.

"The bursary scheme was introduced some 10 years ago to give financial help to students who are furthering their education in the field of agriculture, horticulture and related studies. Since starting the scheme we are pleased to have helped over 35 students.”

Students of agriculture, forestry, horticulture or any closely allied topic who live within a 12 mile radius of Melplash can apply for a grant to help them achieve their educational goals. Financial support will be extended throughout the student’s course provided that they receive a satisfactory annual report from their college or university.

This year new students being supported are Lexie Jefford, studying advanced technical extended diploma in animal management level 3 at Kingston Maurward, Isobel Farquarson who is going to Aberystwyth University to do a foundation degree in agriculture, Hannah Bowden, studying extended diploma level 3 in agriculture at Hartpury College, Georgia Down studying foundation degree in agriculture at Harper Adams University, Lindsey Johnson who is going to Harper Adams University to study agriculture with farm business management, George Layton studying a foundation degree in countryside management at Harper Adams University and Robert Honeybun - studying for a diploma in agriculture level 3

The society is continuing to support Georgia Pagett, David Persey, Sam Norman, Eliot Jones, Callum Vickery and Emily Julier.

For more information on the bursary scheme visit melplashshow.co.uk or call the society office on 01308 423337.