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Before the competition all candidates for the junior member of the year competition had to submit a portfolio, detailing their contribution to YFC over the past year as well as general information regarding themselves. At the Competitions Day, all competitors attended an informal interview with the judges.

“The standard of entries from across Northumberland and the Northern Area were outstanding. These young people are dedicated members of the YFC who have worked hard within their clubs and who have exceptional knowledge of the movement at County and National level,” said Claire Postlethwaite who judged the Northern Area round.

Matty has been an active member of Ponteland YFC for the last 2 years and is currently in the sixth form at Cramlington Learning Village where he is studying Business, English & Geography. In the future, he hopes to go to University to read Agriculture with Farm Business Management.

Matty is an active YFC member and enjoys taking part in all sorts of activities within the Federation. Currently he is the Chairman of Ponteland Young Farmers Club for the second year running and sits on a number of Committees for the Northumberland Federation. He has competed in a number of competitions since becoming a member including public speaking, stock judging, sports, quiz and entertainments.

He also takes part in many activities outside of YFC and Matty added, “The organisation gets little recognition yet plays a vital role within the rural community and if it wasn't for YFC, I wouldn't have had the confidence and skills to have achieved as much at home, school, work and in the community”.

Dan Nixon, Northumberland YC County Chairman said “Matty is not only a credit to himself, but to Northumberland YFC and our communities, We are extremely proud of him, for his achievement at National and his continuous positive input to YFC. He is dedicated and enthusiastic and we are sure that he will be a fantastic asset to us in the years to come. Matty will now be ambassador for Northumberland YFC during the year and will be called upon to assist at various events”.