An ANIMAL-LOVING school student based in Wem has proven she is one of the best in the country at handling cattle.

Issy Smith, 15, attends Thomas Adams School in Lowe Hill Road and lives in Bettisfield with her parents Toni and Mark Smith.

She won her intermediate class at the Oswestry Show back in August before then going onto win the Shropshire equivalent in Market Drayton the following month.

Now Issy is champion at national level after she won National Intermediate Handler at the All Breed All Britain Calf Show in October, leaving Toni very proud of her daughter.

“We came back from America a few years ago and we bought a smallholding,” said Toni.

“She was quite late into it as she was 11 when she started and most kids start at four or five.

Issy just had a knack for it and was really good with animals.

“The way she has done really well at all these show is proof of how good she is as she’s just accelerated all the way through.

“She works on a farm too – we don’t have show cattle – so she went herself to get more of that experience. Issy loves working there too.

“Myself and my husband Mark are just so proud of her, obviously.

“I also have to say how good and supportive the school are too.

“They always include her in the school newsletter when she’s done well and we’re waiting for the trophy from her last win to take a picture there for them.”

Issy, who is currently studying for her GCSEs at Thomas Adams, received a certificate and trophy for her efforts in the show ring.

Toni added that she had been showing for around four years.

The All Breeds All Britain Calf Show is one of the highlights of the dairy calendar, featuring showmanship and calf conformation classes for seven dairy breeds.

The Show features classes for seven dairy breeds in total, including Holstein, British Friesian, Jersey and Guernsey.