Duke of Edinburgh presents youth environment prize at Royal Norfolk Show

A young conservation adviser said she was "delighted and incredibly grateful" to receive a prize from the Duke of Edinburgh at the Royal Norfolk Show.

After a series of presentations to long-serving industry and show stalwarts, there was special recognition for one of the next generation of countryside workers.

Prince Edward congratulated Beatrice White on her "outstanding" winning entry for the Bishop of Norwich Sustainable Environment Young Employee of the Year Award.

"We discussed farming and sustainability and he was very knowledgeable. It was very exciting and he was lovely," said the 21-year-old, who wins £1,000 and a big boost to her fledgling career.

She is about to complete a 12-month placement with the Norfolk Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group (Norfolk FWAG) as part of her degree course in environmental land management.

During her time with Norfolk FWAG, she has enjoyed carrying out breeding bird surveys, putting together woodland management plans and mapping land using specialist software.

She also set up a youth membership programme and a partnership with the county’s Young Farmers' Clubs, adding: “I’ve also really enjoyed going on farm visits and sitting with the farmer and planning their future for their land.

"It’s a privilege to be in that position of trust and I’ve appreciated having the opportunity to go and contribute to these visits with Norfolk FWAG’s advisers."

She will return to Harper Adams University in Shropshire for her final year this autumn, and then hopes to become a farm conservation advisor.

The award was launched by the Bishop of Norwich, the Rt Rev Graham Usher, who is the Church of England’s lead bishop for the environment.

He said: “Bea is such a worthy winner of this award, with her understanding of the importance of making space for nature and caring for the land as part of the vital work of growing food. I am delighted by the opportunities she is giving to new generations of farmers too, to protect our God-given precious environment."