A FORMER agricultural college student is urging young people to consider a career in farming, after returning to her old school as a teacher.

Shelly Whitfield studied at East Durham College’s Houghall campus, near Durham City, from 2002 to 2004, before working in farming for six years.

She is now back at Houghall, lecturing in agriculture.

“Seventy-five per cent of our land in the UK is used for agriculture and 12.5 per cent of the population are actively involved in food production from farm to folk.

“This large and dynamic industry offers a tremendous range of career opportunities,” she said.

For more information on Houghall courses, call 0191-375-4710 or attend the college’s open day on Sunday, May 19, from 10am to 4pm.