THERE was strong competition forward for the 'Member of the Year' final, in Elgin, but it was Tom Clark's passion and enthusiasm at club level that secured him the prestigious title.

Tom, 26, has taken on many roles of his local Perth JAC since joining six years ago, from treasurer and sports convenor to chairman for two years, before taking on his current role of club leader.

"It was the link with farming after my university days that drew me in to the organisation," Tom told The Scottish Farmer.

"There's a strong history of Young Farmers in my family and when the Perth club went through a period with very few members and threatened to fold, I saw the opportunity to turn it around.

"Since then, we've really focussed on recruitment and feature in schools across Perthshire to try and encourage new members.

"Getting the club back on track has been great, and I've had some fantastic moments in YF - I even surprised myself by dressing up as Miss Darling at the Perthshire District charity panto!"

Judges Gill Braid, Jane Kennedy and John Gordon were full of praise for the finalists, adding that it was great to see a range of ages and if this is what's to come then the association is in a very strong position.

Sticking with the East Region and Forfar JAC's Claire Henderson finished in second place, while Kilmaurs YFC's Isla Erskine came in third.