Thomas Andrews from Staffordshire picked up a special award when he graduated from Harper Adams University College, Shropshire.

Tom, 22, from Upperhulme, near Leek, was the recipient of the Claas (UK) Trophy 2008, presented by Jane Broomhall from tractor and harvester manufacturer Claas (UK).

The prize is awarded to the best student on the BSc Hons agricultural engineering with marketing and management course.

At a prizegiving on graduation day, principal engineering lecturer Bill Rowley said: “It is an obvious indication of Tom’s ability if I tell you that he will be receiving a first class honours degree this afternoon.

“But also, students on this course can choose, in their final year, to undertake an engineering project or a marketing/management thesis.

“Tom chose the latter and obtained an A grade – no mean feat for an engineering student in his secondary discipline.”