Andrew Rees, from Walwyns Castle, was honoured three times at a special prize-giving on the day he graduated from Harper Adams University College, Shropshire.

Andrew, aged 23, graduated with a first class honours degree in agriculture, and was chosen to receive the Royal Agricultural Society of England’s award for the best agricultural student.

Announcing the award, Carwyn Ellis, head of the animals department at Harper Adams, said: “Andrew’s academic performance has been excellent.

“He has a predominantly grade A profile and achieved a first class BSc (hons) degree in agriculture. “Andrew comes from a dairy and beef farm in Pembrokeshire.

“This, together with other experience gained on local farms, means that he also has a strong practical farming background.

“Andrew is returning home to farm and I understand is already making changes in the form of a new dairy parlour.”

The RASE Award was presented by Clive Gurney, a RASE Fellow and Harper Adams governor.

Andrew also received the Alltech Award, for the best agricultural assignment and exam results, from Alltech business general manager Ian Leech.

And the young graduate was part of a team that won the RSPCA Farm Animal Welfare Award.

This is presented for the best presentation of a farm animal welfare research project, by students taking the Advances in Farm Animal Health and Welfare module.

Andrew’s group evaluated the welfare of free-range poultry at Harper Adams. Team members received their awards from RSPCA west regional manager, Steve Carter.