A TEENAGER showed the adults the way with a hattrick at the Three Counties Show.

Sam Madeley, from Glewstone, received special permission from his school so he could compete at one of the biggest agricultural shows in the country.

And the 13-year-old John Kyrle High School student did not disappoint, coming home with three winning rosettes.

He picked up top prize as the best young handler and also scooped first with the best steer.

Coco, a British blue cross limousin Sam bought at Brecon Market in February, later took the supreme champion of commercial beef to round off a remarkable day.

Proud parents John and Debbie said their son had fed and trained Coco before claiming the prizes at his first outing in Malvern.

Other county winners included Tony Bradstock from Tarrington. His Hereford, Freetown Fortune, was named reserve male champion.

And there was success for Steve and Sarah Gibbons from Llanigon, near Hayon- Wye.

They went to Malvern to take part in the Beltex English National Show and took the overall championship for their shearling ewe, Whatmore Peach.

There was also recognition for Henry Ravenhill, from Pixley Berries. He received a silver bar and cup for 50 years service.

Little Hereford Cheese made at Monkland cheese dairy was recognised as being the best of its kind in the three counties.

Cheesemaker Karen Hindle was thrilled as she said it was not only a win for her company – but also for Herefordshire food over Worcestershire and Gloucestershire.

And, rounding off a bright and breezy weekend, a number of farmers met royalty. The Duke of Gloucester spoke to Leominster’s Steve Edwards about the farmer’s pure-bred Hereford heifer before he met Herefordshire Young Farmers chairman Gareth Jenkins.