THE Wiltshire Federation of Young Farmers Club is celebrating its 80th anniversary this year.

It was first formed in 1935 by the United Dairies Milk Factory in Wootton Bassett to encourage farming children to rear calves, with competitions and prizes for those achieving the highest standards.

There are eight clubs in the county's federation including Melksham Young Farmers Club (YFC), Trowbridge YFC and Chippenham YFC and there are more than 650 clubs throughout England and Wales.

It is voluntary led for young people aged 10-26 and is registered as a national charity. It was also started to give youngsters living in the countryside a way of socialising with others in the farming community.

Members get a wealth of new experiences and opportunities to take part in activities and develop their skills as well as compete in competitions. Already this year the teams have won a number of awards.

To celebrate the milestone anniversary the federation are hosting several events, including an annual rally at Widleys Farm in Sherston on May 3, which will have a special schedule of competitions for past members from the last 80 years to relive their days in the YFC.

An anniversary ball will is also being held on July 10 at Grittleton House in Chippenham for past and present members and on July 12 at Cumberwell Golf Club in Bradford on Avon there is an afternoon team.

The federation is hoping past members will bring along photographs, literature or memorabilia from their days in YFC.

More details of their events can be found on their website: wiltshireyfc.co.uk