A 17-year-old has been picked to participate in a farming academy for young people.

One of just 12 successful candidates from across Wales, Cian Rhys, of Bethesda, will join the Farming Connect Junior Academy.

The Farming Connect Junior Academy supports young people working towards a career in agriculture, providing work experience, training, mentoring, and networking opportunities for people aged 16 to 21.

Mr Rhys currently studies Level 3 Agriculture at Coleg Glynllifon.

He also works on his family's 120-acre beef cattle farm in Nantporth, Bangor, and at a farm in Hendy in Caernarfon.

This year’s 12 successful Farming Connect Junior Academy candidates met at The Royal Welsh Show in July, and are set to embark on numerous trips over the coming months, including a visit to Norway to observe how the country’s agriculture sector utilizes green energy.

Mr Rhys said: "I applied because I saw it as an interesting opportunity to learn new skills, and learn about different opportunities in the sector and different ways to do things.

"Also I’m hoping to make new friends and make connections with people across Wales.

"Hopefully it will develop me as a person."

Einir Davies, head of skills for Farming Connect and one of the judges in this year's selection process, said: "Despite being one of the youngest candidates we interviewed this year, Cian performed particularly well, demonstrating maturity and responding to the questions in a calm, meaningful and humble way."

Away from his agricultural pursuits, Cian plays an active role in his community.

He serves as the club secretary for Dyffryn Ogwen Young Farmers Club, plays rugby for Bethesda under-18s, and sings in Eisteddfods and in other regional competitions.

He aspires to become a livestock auctioneer, and has already organised an auction at the Dyffryn Ogwen speed-shearing charity event, as well as gaining experience through work placements.

For more information about Farming Connect, visit businesswales.gov.wales/farmingconnect.

More information about the courses offered at Coleg Glynllifon, including Level 3 Agriculture and Level 3 Advanced Technical Extended Diploma in Forestry and Arboriculture, is available at https://www.gllm.ac.uk/locations/glynllifon.