By Debbie James

A WELSH floristry student who juggled her studies with working and caring for her mother has been recognised with a top level land-based and environmental sector award.

Emma Candish, of Holywell, a student at Coleg Cambria Northop who has completed a Level 2 Diploma in floristry, was named Lifelong Learner of the Year at the Lantra awards ceremony at the Royal Welsh Winter Fair in Llanelwedd.

Kevin Thomas, Lantra Wales National Director, described her as an “inspiration’’. “Emma has challenged herself throughout her training and her floristry skills show excellent commercial understanding, creative talent and originality.’’

Emma was presented with her award by Wales’s Cabinet Secretary for Environment and Rural Affairs, Lesley Griffiths.

Jim Ellis, who is using his photography and media skills within his family’s farming business at Pwllheli, was named as one of the most exceptional and inspiring young learners.

Jim, whose award was in the Farming Connect category, has helped develop the family farming business by acquiring more land, increasing the number of beef finishers and quitting sheep production.

“I would advise anyone who enjoys seeing results from their own hard work and an interest in the land to push forward into a rewarding, prosperous and ever-growing industry,’’ Jim said.

Caitlin Marya Selwyn Jones, who is 17 and lives at Caergybi, Ynys Mon, was named as winner of Lantra’s Land Management and Production category.

Caitlin, who studies at Coleg Glynllifon, was recognised for her high level of commitment to her education.

Meanwhile, there were joint winners in the Animal Health and Welfare, Horticulture and Environmental Young Learner of the Year category.

Veterinary student, Scott Japheth, from Anglesey, and Georgia Davies, of Ystradgynlais, Swansea, were among a number of high achieving students nominated for the award.

Scott’s studies had involved some innovative approaches to dealing with pest control. He was involved in developing a squirrel culling initiative and had branded and launched a squirrel pate.

Georgia is currently undertaking a research project into hydrotherapy treatment for hip-dysplastic dogs.

Nathan Dunn, a forestry and arboriculture student at Coleg Cambria Llysfasi, was named as the Land Management and Production Lifelong Learner of the Year.

The Lantra Land-based Learner of the Year Awards were first launched in 1992 and are sponsored by industry bodies including the FUW, Natural Resources Wales, Farming Connect and NFU Cymru.