Farming award joy for teen inspired by late grandad

Young farmer William Hunt, 15, pitched in to help when his grandfather fell ill after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.

David Hall died at the age of 78 in July this year.

William lent his support to running the family's traditional mixed livestock farm in the village of Combs in the High Peak.

His dedication has seen him named as the UK's young farming hero at a national award ceremony, with judges highlighting "his unwavering support for his family through an incredibly difficult time".

The event was hosted by prominent farmer and content creator Tom Pemberton, with appearances from guest judges, such as Charlotte Ashley and Rebecca Wilson.

In choosing William as the winner, the judges of the Farmers Guardian Young Farming Hero award praised his efforts.

"William balanced school and a part-time job whilst playing a vital role in helping to keep the family farm running when his grandad fell ill," they said.

"He is a passionate, talented and dedicated young farmer who has a strong work ethic and has shown unwavering support for his family through an incredibly difficult time."

William plans to continue working on the farm after sitting his GCSE exams next summer and is hoping to train as a butcher.

"Winning the award was an emotional time because my grandpa wasn't there to celebrate it with us," he said.

"I sat with him in the tractor from a very young age and we went up and down the field on the quad and the digger. He taught me everything and I miss him dearly."

He helps with all the jobs on a normal farm, including feeding, animal health checks, lambing and fencing.

Mum Tracey described her son as "amazing" and said he had helped the family immensely during a very traumatic time.

"He's never grumpy, he's out and about with us all the time and he's especially helpful when it's lambing time or in the hay-making season," she said.

"I discovered that he'd been shortlisted for the award the same day as my father passed away, so it was a very emotional time."

William's grandmother Patricia Hall was equally quick to praise the 15-year-old farmer.

"He never lies in bed, and he'll come out at any time of the night to help me catch sheep or deliver lambs," she said.

"My late husband and William had a very close bond and David taught him everything he knows".

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