A FARMER from the Ribble Valley has spoken of her pride after being appointed to a leading national industry body.

Jess Townson, 25, has been elected as vice-chair of the National Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs (NFYFC).

The Gisburn woman, who also works as a chartered surveyor in Clitheroe, was voted in by the organisation’s 25,000 members after serving as Northern Area Chair in 2014.

Miss Townson, of Westby Hall Farm, in Burnley Road, joined Bolton-by-Bowland Young Farmers’ Club almost a decade ago.

She said: “I am delighted to have been elected as vice-chair of the National Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs – a position which is a great honour for me to hold.

“I am looking forward to getting to know more members across England and Wales and supporting them to make our organisation even stronger.

“Young Farmers’ Clubs (YFCs) do a lot of great work in their local communities as I am only too aware of from my connections with clubs in Lancashire and across the Northern region.

“I am now looking forward to promoting and championing our members’ activities on a national scale. YFCs have been a valuable social network for rural young people for more than 80 years and I am proud to be a part of an organisation with such heritage.”

Miss Townson has held various roles within her club and county and regularly supports events on Gisburn’s community calendar, such as the annual bonfire night and the Village Duck Race.

More than 100 NFYFC members gathered in Coventry a fortnight ago to pass motions that affect the running of the group and to elect the new council.

An NFYFC spokesman said: “Jess will support the current NFYFC chair, Hannah Talbot, 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 their local communities.”

Sam Dilcock, from Clitheroe-based Lancashire FYFC, was appointed as vice-chair of the NFYFC’s agricultural and rural issues steering group.