A TEENAGER who rears sheep in a field he rents from his uncle has been awarded a grant to help him expand his flock.

Andrew Stephenson, 16, grew up on a farm that had more than 1,000 livestock, until his parents separated and he moved into a terraced home with his mother and sister at Ravensworth, in North Yorkshire.

However, he soon began to miss caring for the animals, so set about acquiring some.

His first experiment with Charollais ewes two years ago gave him the confidence to breed from them.

Although Andrew has faced setbacks, he now has 11 ewes, 15 lambs and a tup.

Yesterday, his resourcefulness was recognised by North Yorkshire County Council, which gave him £1,600 from its Good Ideas fund, which is part of the authority's Young People's Network.

Councillor Jim Clark said: "The determination and resolve of many of North Yorkshire's young people never fails to amaze me, and Andrew is a superb example of what can be achieved given the chance.

"I am confident he has a bright future ahead of him living in this great county of ours."

Meanwhile, Andrew has pledged to study for his GSCEs this summer, although he already knows what he wants to do when he leaves school.

He said: "I really love farming and I like the idea of starting with a few sheep, breeding and doubling the amount each year."

To apply for a grant, go to www.connex.me.uk or call (01904) 799937.