New Holland fitter Ryan Lanfear was awarded the title of South West Agricultural Mechanic of the Year 2011 by Sophie, Countess of Wessex at the recent Agricultural Machinery and Equipment show at the Bath and West showground, Somerset.

Ryan is based at the Marlborough depot of dealer TH White. Having started with the company in 2005, he works on a range of machinery, splitting his time between tractors, combines and GPS kit. The judges were particularly impressed by the fact that the 24-year-old has already trained one apprentice and currently has another under his wing. Ryan received a £500 cheque and an engraved trophy for his efforts.