A YOUNG farmer from Cromhall has been chosen as his university’s student of the month due to his interest in restoring vintage tractors.

Alex Terrett, who studies agriculture at Harper Adams University in Shropshire, restores vintage tractors and machinery on his family's organic beef and sheep enterprise.

The 21-year-old’s collection includes a rare Massey Harris Ferguson, a David Brown 1490 and a 1972 Series 3 Land Rover.

Alex said: "Restoring agricultural machinery involves everything from re-spraying and chassis work, to hydraulics and electrics.

"It is a long process and can take many years, but really, the hardest part is sourcing the parts and sometimes, I have to fabricate my own instead.

"But I've never known any different really as my parents have always taught me to look after and cherish the vehicles so that they last a lifetime."

As well as attending events with his tractors, they are still regularly used on the farm.

The youngest machine on the farm is a 1997 Case tractor, and the family has plans to restore a 1965 Series 2a Land Rover - a vehicle owned by them for more than 30 years.

Alex, who lives with his parents and younger brother Chris, said: "I'm very grateful to my parents for the time and expertise they have given me; it was my dad who first inspired me to start the restoration work when I was 10-years-old and my mum who introduced me to livestock.

"As a family, having our own individual hobbies is extremely important and we each contribute something different to the farm.

"As well as the vintage machines, I also enjoy stock judging. Whilst on placement in Scotland I came first and second for judging at Scotbeef in Inverurie, chosen from more than 50 young farmers.

"I also enjoy match ploughing with the Fergie, am a member of the Harper Adams off-road club, and take an active interest in the countryside and conservation."