A STUDENT from High Roding has received the renowned NatWest Bank Award in recognition of his outstanding performance while on an industrial work placement, it was announced Thursday. Henry Savage, 22, completed a year s work placement with British Sugar

A STUDENT from High Roding has received the renowned NatWest Bank Award in recognition of his outstanding performance while on an industrial work placement, it was announced Thursday.

Henry Savage, 22, completed a year's work placement with British Sugar last August while studying an HND in Agriculture with Mechanisation at Harper Adams University College, Newport, Shropshire. He graduates tomorrow, Friday.

Mr Savage, from Court Farm, said: "I am extremely pleased to receive this award. The interview with the judging panel was nerve racking but the awards will definitely enhance my CV. I have learnt so much on placement and gained many valuable skills in the work place."

He was given the opportunity of a varied role and gained experience in several areas. Responsibilities ranged from practical field trail work and workshop maintenance through to updating field trail data and completing presentations at regional and annual conferences.

After graduating, Mr Savage intends to return to work on the family farm alongside his father, expanding the business. He may also top-up his HND to a degree.

The coveted annual Placement Awards were presented by Martin Doyle, NatWest regional agricultural manager in May.

He said: "A placement student can benefit businesses in a number of ways.

"They often bring new ideas and fresh enthusiasm to the workplace and generally impress employers with their achievements, attitude and knowledge.

"The judges were particularly impressed with Henry's confident, factual and measured approach."

Working for a year on an industrial placement is a key component of the courses at Harper Adams which, claims the University College 'assists to set the graduates apart from those from other institutions'.

Three winners were chosen were short-listed and completed a challenging interview that included questioning on their achievements in work placement, future aspirations and their thoughts and concerns of the industry.

Second place went to Catherine Priestley from West Yorkshire and Charlotte Kemp from Maidstone, Kent came in third.