Newark & Nottinghamshire Society presents

The Newark and Nottinghamshire Agricultural Society will be presenting the first of its new annual education grants at this year's county show (12-13 May). The recipient is Faye Wiltshire from Woodborough, Nottingham, who will receive a grant for £500.

20 year-old Faye, who has two horses, is a student on the Cordwainers Diploma Course at Capel Manor, Middlesex, where she is studying to become a saddle and harness maker, one of the few traditional handcrafted skills remaining in this country.

A member of the Lowdham branch of the Young Farmers Club since she was 14, Faye applied for the grant in order to buy the specialist tools she needs to continue with her studies and when she is qualified to work as a saddler.

"I wanted a practical career connected to a land-based industry and there is a shortage of saddlers in my area," said Faye. "I thought I'd give it a go at applying and am really pleased to be awarded this grant. The course I am doing is hard work but it's going well."

Faye will be presented with her grant on the Sunday afternoon (13 May) during the County Show.