After a fierce round of competition The National Sheep Association (NSA) have confirmed the group of 12 young individuals who will take part in the 2017 Next Generation Ambassador programme.

Part of the overall NSA Next Generation initiative, the Ambassador programme has gone from strength to strength since its launch in 2014.

Delivery sessions throughout the year combine training to enhance personal development and business skills with technical sessions to increase knowledge of the sheep sector.

The individuals involved will also develop a close working relationship with the NSA, to ensure their ambassadorial role lasts for longer than just the 12 months of the initial programmer, arming individuals with the skills to promote the sheep sector to the wider public.

The new ambassadors have been selected from all over the country, and include Alexandria Egan from Dorset, Howard Tratt from Somerset and Richard Taylor from Wiltshire, among others.

Joanne Briggs, NSA communications manager said: “It was fantastic to hear from so many worthy candidates this year, and with the standard of entrants is rising year on year, these young people really are a credit to the industry.

"Some very tough decisions were made during the interview process.

“Thanks to the continued funding of NSA regions and ram sales and support of several delivery partners, NSA is thrilled to be embarking on the fourth year of the programme and is looking forward to welcoming this year’s group of 12 to their first delivery session in mid-February.

“Bringing the total number of Ambassadors since 2014 to an incredible 46 individuals, NSA is really looking forward to working with this year’s intake through the following 12 months and into the future.”