A STUDENT from University Centre Somerset (UCS) has won a top award.

Jacques Luckins, from Ashcott, has won the silver Farmers Club Pinnacle Award for Excellence in Business Management.

Eight students are shortlisted for top prizes, and the awards are an opportunity for students who are preparing to work in rural and land-based industries to demonstrate their potential.

Jacques, who is studying Agricultural Management at the university, created an entry focused on introducing a beef enterprise to Rodway Farm at Bridgwater & Taunton College's Cannington campus.

“It’s a great honour to win the Silver Pinnacle Award against some very strong competition," said Jacques.

"I started studying at BTC when I was 17 and have worked my way up through the course levels to achieve a Bachelor’s degree with UCS.

"This was a fantastic route for me as I was able to study whilst living and working at home.

"I couldn’t have achieved this award without the support of my lecturers, especially Richard West and Daniel Rood, who provided me with the platform I needed to produce this project and present it to the Pinnacle Awards panel.

"The courses that I studied are ideal as they balance practical and theoretical learning brilliantly.”

Jacques, a former Kings of Wessex School pupil, was grilled by industry experts before presenting his project to a wider audience.

Daniel Rood, course leader, added: “We’re delighted that the high quality of our agriculture students’ work continues to be recognised at national level.

"Jacques performed incredibly well, achieving second place in a very strong field of graduates from notable universities around the UK.

"He has recently accepted a nutritionist role with Mole Valley Farmers, and we’re sure he has a very bright future ahead of him.”

The Farmers Club Pinnacle Awards, now in their 29th year, provide students who are planning to work in the agricultural industry an opportunity to demonstrate their potential and receive a valuable cash prize.

Students who enter are encouraged to develop innovative, competitive and realistic business strategies that also meet the wider environmental requirements.

To find out more visit thefarmersclub.com/charities-and-awards/pinnacle-awards.