A TAVISTOCK man was a double winner at the Harper Adams University graduation prize-giving.

Baroness Byford presented Ross Edwards Bsc (Hons) Agriculture with the Royal Agricultural Society of England prize (pictured right), awarded to the student who performed best in both academic and practical work.

He also received the Irish Bowl from 2013 winner James Yeomans. The Irish Bowl is awarded to a student who has demonstrated outstanding qualities in being involved in the university community and is who highly employable.

Principal lecturer Dr Russell Readman said: 'Ross's academic performance on the course has been consistently excellent throughout and he has achieved a first class honours degree. Ross has a range of practical experience of UK farming, primarily on the livestock side, gained from experience on the home farm and during his placement year.

'Ross decided to use his placement to broaden his livestock experience, gaining experience in the dairy sector, and was successful in securing a scholarship and placement with Velcourt.

'Ross has demonstrated excellent academic and practical understanding of agriculture during his studies and is a well-deserving recipient of the Royal Agricultural Society of England Prize.'

Ross, 22, was also one of five students honoured for their performance in the Farmplanner of the Year Award 2014 and is a finalist in the 2014 Farmers' Guardian Agricultural Student of the Year competition.