A young Packington farmer earned Royal approval last week after winning a prestigious competition.

William, Prince of Wales, presented 17-year-old Simmental breeder Finlay Soutter with his trophy as winner of the Royal Norfolk Show's Young Handler competition.

In a never to be forgotten moment, Finlay received his honour from the Prince, in front of a packed ringside crowd.

Throughout the competition Finlay, from Yew Tree Farm, near Ashby, was parading the classy Brandane Millie, the foundation female in his newly established Millennium pedigree herd.

Against a huge entry of Young Handlers across all breeds in the show, Finlay was required to parade Millie around the ring.

Then he had to walk her up to the judge where he was asked various questions on how she had been prepared for the class, what feeding she was on, and general questions about Millie herself, just to test general knowledge.

Finlay was then placed into the line-up and was further judged on how Millie was stood and presented, and his ability to settle her.

After winning the contest, Finlay said: "First of all, it's a great honour to have won the Champion Young Handler award.

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"I have won young handlers' Championships before but never at a Royal Show.

"To do that, and have the trophy presented by Prince William, is just really special and a memory I'll never forget.

"Prince William was so easy to talk to. He asked me how old Brandane Millie was and also about the Simmental breed.

"He also asked if I had shown at the Royal Norfolk Show before and why Brandane Millie was so special."

Finlay also gave some background about Millie.

He added: "Millie was purchased privately by my grandad (Doug Mash) and was gifted to me as a birthday present.

"It was a great boost to start my own herd of pedigree cattle with such a great heifer.

"I greatly admire Millie as she has style, shape and muscle, with femininity to complement, and has incredible blood lines.

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"This year I plan on showing her at the Great Yorkshire, and the Royal Welsh as they are two shows I've never exhibited at."

Beyond the upcoming shows Finlay has clear aims for the future and said: "The ambition for my newly established Millennium Simmental herd is for it to slowly expand to more females, and hopefully to attend show and sales with their progeny.

"The main focus will be on obtaining and breeding quality foundation female lines.

"I like the Simmental breed as they're known for their maternal traits, producing plenty milk and having a great temperament.

"I think these qualities make them ideal females for the future in both pedigree herds and commercial breeding."

The British Simmental Cattle Society congratulated Finlay on his personal achievement, and outstanding promotion of the Simmental breed.