A UK team of Holstein Young Breeders (HYB) defeated teams from across Europe in a leading show in Italy.

They took the junior and senior championship titles at the annual open junior show in Cremona.

Senior competitors Ben Coates (Yorkshire) and Steven Harris (Cornwall) were joined by junior competitors Iwan Thomas (South Wales) and Vikki Murch (Devon).

The young breeders became acquainted with their animals ahead of the first day of competition. On the first day, competitors participated in a timed clipping competition before presenting their calves in the ring to be inspected. Iwan won the junior class with his 'beautiful and natural clip' whilst Vikki came sixth. In the senior class of 18 competitors, Ben took first place for his 'well presented, natural heifer and strong topline', whilst Steven followed closely behind in third place.

The showmanship classes were judged the next day with Iwan once again taking the top spot in the junior class. Vikki was placed fourth out of 17 junior competitors. In the senior class, Steven was placed second for his overall performance and being quick to set-up. Ben was placed fifth.

The competition also focused on stock judging where Iwan was first in the junior class and Steven was third in the seniors.

The final results are as follows:

Away from the showground, the team also visited two of the region’s dairy farms - Palazzina Holsteins and Barozzi Holsteins. This proved to be a fantastic morning and the team really enjoyed seeing how the Italian dairy industry differs to that of the UK.

Cerys Petrie, national HYB co-ordinator for Holstein UK, congratulated the team. She said: "All of the classes were strong with some of the best young breeders from across Europe coming together to showcase their skills. The results are a strong testament to the quality of our young breeders here in the UK."