Norfolk's Young Farmers' Clubs (YFC) have launched a new £70,000 skills fund to distribute cash raised to mark the organisation's 70th anniversary.

The Young Farmers Skills Initiative is aimed at supporting and increasing the vocational training of all YFC members – predominantly aimed at those involved in rural and land-based industries.

This week, the clubs celebrated reaching the ambitious £70,000 fundraising target set last year – and the opening of the fund to applications.

Norfolk YFC county chairman Ant Boesen said: 'Having met many young people within my 10 years as a Young Farmer, I know it can be a daunting task for many who try to further themselves in their career.

'Many costly qualifications can stand in the way of their chosen career path and so Norfolk Young Farmers have established the Skills Initiative as a way of ensuring our members have the opportunity to gain these qualifications and will therefore be equipped to meet the challenges of the future.

'A previous grant benefitted me greatly within my own farming career, allowing me to gain some of my pesticide application certificates along with a trailer towing license. Both of these qualifications are still very much an asset to me on a day-to-day basis and I know without the help of Norfolk Young Farmers I would have struggled to finance them.

'This new scheme will hopefully allow many more of our members to benefit from funding whether they, like me, are in farming or have chosen another route.'

Applicants for Skills Initiative funding must have been signed up as a member to one of Norfolk YFC's 11 senior clubs for more than 12 months and the funding could cover up to 50pc of costs, depending on the course.

For more information about how to apply, contact the county office on 01603 731 307 or email norfolk.yfc@eastonotley.ac.uk.