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Autonomous machinery, cutting edge technology and diversification were among the suggestions that earned a Harper Adams University student a scholarship from the organisers of the Ashby Show.

Abigail Hicklin, a rural enterprise student, was awarded the £1,500 scholarship for her "innovative ideas" on how to modernise the Leicestershire agricultural event.

Abigail said: "Ashby is quite a rural show, but there's a massive community around Ashby that the show might not be appealing to.  I suggested including an education area at the show or other attractions that might appeal to a wider audience."

The Ashby-de-la-Zouch and District Agricultural Society, which runs the show, awards scholarships to Harper Adams students who are taking an agricultural course and live within 25 miles of Ashby.

Applicants are asked to come up with ways to improve the show, with the best applicants being invited to discuss their ideas with organisers.

Abigail, who works is on a year-long placement with Fisher German, added: "It is important to cater to young farmers, who are looking at ways they might diversify their family farmland in the future, and people who are new to the farming industry whatever their age.

"With an ever-increasing population and more demands on space, farmers are going to have to be much more efficient in the future. 

"So I suggested including cutting-edge farming technology at the show to show farmers young and old what the future of farming could look like.

"For example, I told the organisers about the ‘Hands-Free Hectare’ project – where a hectare of arable crop is grown by machines operating autonomously, rather than having farmers drive them.

"These machines could be demonstrated at the show."

The panel was impressed with Abigail’s ideas, and decided to award her the scholarship.

Abigail added: “I came out of the discussion thinking it had been very challenging, but I felt I put my ideas across well.  “When I found out I was awarded the scholarship, I felt very proud. It was a real confidence boost for me.

The annual Ashby Show, will take place on Sunday, July 14, 2019. 

Tickets can be bought on the gate, or can in advance online by visiting ashbyshow.com  Price: Adult £14, Family ticket £40.00 (2 adults and 3 children), children £6.00 and under 5's free.