TWO farm students at Newton Rigg College have been awarded scholarships by the independent dairy group Meadow Foods.

Lauren Little and Chris Riley are both 2nd year Level 3 agriculture students at the Eden institute and the selection was made following a rigorous application process.

Meadow Foods farm liaison manager Nick Wood, said: “The standard of applications was extremely high but in the end the awards went to Lauren and Chris.

"I was looking for students who could demonstrate passion for the dairy section and commitment to their studies, and they did just that. It really shone through their applications."

Chris, of Langwathby, says his interest in farming was sparked when he worked on his grandfather’s dairy farm, and he has continued to work on local dairy farms.

Lauren, of Sebergham, Carlisle, helped on her grandfather's beef and sheep farm and she now works with the dairy herd at Chalk Lodge Farm, Dalston.

Matt Bagley, Newton Rigg’s head of agriculture said: “They are both hard working students who are very worthy winners. I am sure they will go on to succeed in whatever path they choose in the dairy sector.”

Meadow Foods is the UK's largest independent dairy and leading supplier of milk and diary ingredients to the food industry. The company currently works closely with more than 200 farms across Cumbria, and more than 600 farms nationwide.