Teens urged to shape countryside

A Shropshire politician is championing agriculture as a career of opportunity for young people.

Peter Bradley, MP for the Wrekin, says youngsters should take advantage of a period of "fresh optimism" in the farming industry.

Mr Bradley, who is the Parliamentary Private Secretary to the Minister of Rural Affairs, has been speaking to school-leavers at a conference at Harper Adams University College, near Newport, in Shropshire.

He told 16 to 18-year-olds from across the country to find out more about courses and careers in the land-based industries.

Benefit

He said: "People like yourselves, who will take the future forward, are getting into the industry at very much the right time.

"I think the rural entrepreneurs of tomorrow will face challenges but they will have tremendous opportunities too."

And he encouraged the students to bring new ideas to the industry: "Make it happen, take the risks, be bold, be brave and be confident.

"Go out and shape the countryside for your benefit and for the benefit of those of us who all depend upon the countryside."