TWO Burras brothers were "judged" to be a great success on Sunday at the National Primestock Show in Staffordshire.

Adam and Matthew Care, who are former Helston School pupils, represented Cornwall in the Young Farmers Clubs' National Judge of the Year competition and both not only secured two top individual prizes but their combined efforts won Cornwall the title of top county team in the event.

The two overcame tough national competition and had to observe three catagories of carcases - beef, lamb and pork, place the carcases and give reasons for their placings as well as complete a written questionnaire and give a presentation to the judges.

Adam, aged 19 and an NVQ level 3 student at Duchy Agricultural College, previously won the title of National Junior Stockjudge of the Year in September. At the show he added to this achievement by winning the Mark Madders perpetual trophy, a commemorative silver plate and the title of National Intermediate Carcase Judge of the Year. Both titles have never been held by the same person before. Adam works with his parents running a sheep farm at Burras.

There was more family celebration when Matthew, aged 21 and who works as a welder/fabricator as well as taking a keen interest in the family farm, was placed third in the senior carcase judge of the year competition.

Both are members of the Helston and St Keverne YFC and they were congratulated at the show by Cornwall Federation of YFCs county organiser Gerald Haines and their tutor David Brewer.

Their mum Valerie was understandably very proud of her sons' achievements, particularly as they had spent a lot of time preparing for the event. She said the competition's early start meant a very long day for the brothers, who had a long drive to Staffordshire and then had to sleep in the car to make sure they were on time for the show's early start.

Valerie, married to Vivian, told the Packet: "We are really proud of their achievements and bringing back these titles to Cornwall. They have put a lot of hard work into this and deserve much credit."