TWELVE teams of Santas went head-to-head as they battled for a place at the Royal Three Counties Show.

Herefordshire Young Farmers held their annual county rally near Bromyard on Saturday, with 15 clubs from across the county competing in over 50 different events, including sheep shearing, sand castle building and flower arranging.

The teams who entered the Santa race were whittled down to two and will compete against clubs from Worcestershire and Gloucester at the show in June.

Matt Francis, Harry Griffiths and Ed Watkins from Pontrilas YFC secured top spot, followed closely by Chris Poynton, Eliot Soble and Jake Price from Woolhope YFC.

The event was open to the public and brought together young farmers from Herefordshire, with local dignitaries said to be impressed with the day.

County chairman Lisa Legge said: "The whole day went very well. The weather held off and we had 600 people through the gates.

"There were lots of VIPs, councillors and the Mayor of Bromyard.

"The turnout was higher than usual, I think the weather helped. We try and advertise it as a day to see what young farmers clubs are all about.

"We want to show there's more, yes we like to drink, but we also like to learn new skills and support each other.

"I walked around with Jonathon Lester (Herefordshire Council leader), and he had no idea the Young Farmers did all this, the skills that go in cake decorating for example."

Competitions started at 9:30am at Lower Hope Farm, Ullingwick and Welsh Newton picked up the rally shield as overall winners.

The theme for the main exhibit this year was Great British holidays, which was won by Pencombe YFC. Their exhibit (pictured) will now go through to the Royal Three Counties Show with the second placed team.