Three years ago the agricultural supply company, Carrs Billington, launched a range of scholarships for students at Newton Rigg College, Penrith. Since then, dozens of young people have benefited from the initiative. This year some 13 students studying agriculture, engineering and countryside management have been chosen to receive the awards and will share £3,000 as well as receiving complimentary boiler suits.

Newton Rigg College students celebrating support received from Carrs Billington, left to right, Zak Shaw, Samuel Lodge, Alex Raynor, Tom Long, Andrew Hewat, Lewis Park, Jack Baldwyn, Liam Mason, Naomi Cross and Catherine Bunting, with front, left to right, Matt Bagley and Wes Johnson of Newton Rigg College, with Rae Tomlinson and Ian Powley of Carrs Billington. The Newton Rigg College group were visiting the Carrs base at Annan, Dumfries and Galloway.

The awards were presented by Rae Tomlinson, Managing Director, of Carrs Billington (Agriculture) Ltd at the company's Annan depot in Dumfries and Galloway.

Wes Johnson, Campus Principal said:
“The relationship with Carrs is hugely valuable to us, the company is one of our key supporters, not just in terms of scholarships but year round. For example, students benefit from visits to their premises and also through seeing the latest tractors which Carrs bring to the campus from time to time. In addition they are very supportive of the Newton Rigg Society and also of our events, Grassland North and Sow and Spread.

“Their involvement helps us understand what industry needs, which in turn informs our curriculum, ensuring it's relevant to the needs of modern agriculture. One of the key benefits of the scholarships is the valuable insight it gives our students into the industry. It's a long standing partnership and we look forward to working with them in the years to come.”

For one former student, the scholarship provided a valuable stepping stone to her long held ambition for a career in animal nutrition. After gaining a diploma in agriculture, Lauren Capstick successfully applied for a job at Carrs and is now a valued member of the company's nutrition team where she is involved in quality testing ingredients and products. Lauren studied at Newton Rigg for two years, gaining her Extended Diploma in Agriculture in July 2014.

Speaking about the partnership Mr Tomlinson said:
“The partnership works really well and Lauren is a great example of the mutual benefits to our two organisations. It is great to see the students' enthusiasm and commitment and this certainly bodes well for the future of agriculture and farming in the North of England and beyond.”

The successful students are: Jack Baldwyn, Samuel Blease, Catherine Bunting, Naomi Cross, Thomas Gorst and Alex Raynor who are studying agriculture; Jack Depledge, Samuel Lodge and Zak Shaw who are studying countryside and game management, and Andrew Hewat, Tom Long, Liam Mason and Lewis Park who are studying engineering.

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