A Henlow farmer s daughter has become queen of the countryside. Samantha Cobb, of Hitchin Road, has become the first Young Champion of the Countryside. The competition to find the UK s top young countryperson was organised by The Field magazine and leadin

A Henlow farmer's daughter has become queen of the countryside.

Samantha Cobb, of Hitchin Road, has become the first Young Champion of the Countryside.

The competition to find the UK's top young countryperson was organised by The Field magazine and leading rural insurance broker Lycetts.

At the awards night in London, Samantha, 19, was presented with a cheque for £1,000, an Ecorider all-terrain vehicle worth £3,500 and a limited edition bronze sculpture created by Ian Greensitt.

Samantha was accompanied to the awards evening in London at the offices of James Purdey and Sons Gunmakers by her father Ron and boyfriend graphic artist Ben Murphy from Clifton.

"I am very pleased to have won the award. I am particularly pleased for Shuttleworth College where I am studying for a National Diploma in Countryside Management and The Countryside Management Service where I work as a volunteer one day a week," said Samantha at the family farm this week.

"I would not have won without them. The award will hopefully help me gain a career in the countryside. I hope to work for the Countryside Management Service full time when I've finish my course."

Her father said: "We are overwhelmed by her award and so pleased for her.

"Her college and the Countryside Management Service have all helped. Samantha has worked hard at college and loves the countryside.