A Suffolk farm manager for Woodbridge-based Gressingham Foods has received a poultry industry accolade.

Sam Whitmore, of Ipswich, made it to the finals of the annual Zoetis - British Poultry Council Trainee Awards.

The overall winner, who was presented with his award by farming minister George Eustice at the House of Commons, was Jonathan Bowen, but Sam and fellow finalist Jonathan Bowen of Lincolshire, were praised for making a new career start in the sector.

Sam gained a placement with Gressingham during an agriculture degree course at Harper Adams University, returning as a graduate agricultural manager working with ducks. He was promoted to run a free range Christmas turkey farm, and a turkey brooding unit at weekends. “The poultry industry is providing bright new opportunities for people like Jonathan and Damian coming from other sectors and looking to make a fresh start to their career,” said Zoetis poultry manager for the UK and Ireland James Porritt.

“Too many people outside the poultry sector are just not aware of the excellent career opportunities it offers – and not just for school leavers.”