“We were shocked to realise many children have no clue where their food comes from,” says exhibition working party chairwoman Hollie. “Many take it for granted that you just walk into a supermarket, with no idea of all the hard work behind producing it.

“The grant panel was made up of three young people. We put together a project proposal, case studies and budget, and our idea was completely different to all the rest.

“We used our public speaking skills, and told the panel that the confidence to do the interview in the first place came from being in YFC. They were impressed by the way Alex and I worked as a team and loved the project idea. We were all thrilled when we won.”

The committee bought a marquee, which they plan to loan to other organisations. They advertised on websites and in local papers, sent invitations to primary schools, and designed and handed out 10,000 tickets to under-16s in nearby towns for the free buses they laid on to the exhibition, held during the two-day Bronte Vintage Gathering.

More than 4,000 people visited their YFC exhibition, to be guided through the food journey from field to fork, which used livestock from members, local butchery demonstrations and the skills of a local restaurant.

The team also organised sheep racing, a mascot Olympics, a fundraising wrestling show, pots of seeds for youngsters to grow, a wooden milking cow, and petting zoo.

Hollie adds: “It was busy and stressful but that’s normal in YFC. We used organisational skills and teamwork learned from competitions and events to make it a success.

“This is the first year I’ve taken on a role as social secretary, but I’ve always mucked in and I wouldn’t have had any idea how to even begin planning something likes this if it wasn’t for competing.

“My advice is to give everything a try. When you are competing you are gaining skills that aren’t always obvious but can serve you well in other areas of your life.”

Hollie Ogden, 19, student, Worth Valley YFC

Club secretary Sophie Ogden said every facet of planning and organising the event had drawn on skills gained from competitions – from scheduling meetings and hitting deadlines, to helping younger members articulate their ideas.

Sophie, a mortgage administrator, says: “Time-keeping, planning in advance, understanding your responsibilities, being part of a team – all aspects of competing are valuable in so many things in life. YFC has developed me in so many ways – I’m much more confident, I love getting involved, and it has really improved my organisational skills at work, where I am proactive and able to hold and carry a meeting to solve problems.

“I’ve loved being involved in a huge event like this and am excited for the next big thing. We have received so much positive feedback from the public and community, gained new members and made people aware of our club and YFC in general, so get stuck in with anything and everything!”

Sophie Ogden, 22, mortgage administrator,  Worth Valley YFC