Apprentice the first name on new trophy for gamekeeping

Ben, a student at Bishop Burton College in Beverley, was nominated for the trophy by his tutor Norman Dalleywater.

The prize was donated to the National Gamekeepers’ Organisation by the family of late Worcestershire-based gamekeeper Frank Jenkins, a keeper for 63 years.

The 18-year-old, who hails from Authorpe in Lincolnshire, started helping keep game birds when he was just eight.

He said the most appealing part of the job is its variety. He said: “The best bit about it is that its not the same job every day.

“All year round you’re doing different things: you start with rearing, and then releasing, to keeping down the vermin, and before you know it you’re back to rearing again.

“It’s like a cycle, but its never boring and never the same.”

It wasn’t easy finding a job, but by persistently sending out letters, Ben won a one-day trial at the 3,500-acre, Lincolnshire Rothwell Estate in April 2010.

He impressed so much that he has been able to carve himself a long-term place there.

He said: “In gamekeeping, if you can get a good reputation then you’re sorted. With winning the award it’ll definitely do me favours in that aspect – my name is going to be known more.”

Julie Pocklington, Ben’s mother, put his success down to his passion: “It’s a difficult field, but he’s very dedicated. He goes out gaming every night, working on fox control and other duties, always going beyond what is required of him as an apprentice. We’re very proud.”

The trophy, an engraved glass tankard to keep and a coat, was presented to Ben by the organisation’s chairman, Lindsay Waddell, at the recent CLA Game Fair.

Bishop Burton College principal Jeanette Dawson said: “It’s always gratifying to see one of our students win a prestigious award such as this, but when it’s the first ever presentation of a trophy it’s very special indeed.

“It’s clear Ben is a very talented and determined young man and to see his efforts rewarded in this way is very pleasing.”

Mr Jenkins family was represented at the presentation by his son Martin – also a gamekeeper – and daughter Jennifer.