A young farmer from Hemyock has been re-elected as vice chairman of the National Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs (NFYFC) - and has his sights on the chairman’s post for 2016.

Chris Manley, 30, grew up on a dairy, beef and sheep farm in Hemyock, and is currently part of the Tesco agriculture team as a trainee agriculturalist.

He has also been a member of Culm Valley Young Farmers’ Club for 15 years.

The NFYFC’s annual national council elections took place in February, and Chris was voted back into his role as vice chairman by fellow members.

Chris said: “I’m really proud to be representing Devon FYFC and the whole organisation again.

“I have learnt a huge amount in my first year as vice chairman and I’m hoping to gain even more experience.

“I have been a member of Culm Valley YFC for 15 years and my involvement has given me the confidence to take on new responsibilities, as well as travel all over the world.

“I am hoping my next move will be into the chairman’s position next year where I can put into practice my own agricultural background and love of this amazing organisation.”

Chris is now keen to progress to the chairman’s role in 2016 and will spend this year gaining as much insight to the national federation as possible.

As part of the top team who will head up the federation’s 25,000 members, Chris will support the current chairman in strengthening the organisation.

The aim is to encourage recruitment and retention of new members and celebrate what is great about the way YFCs are at the heart of our local communities.