A TRAINEE gamekeeper from Gwent scooped a prestigious award for his exceptional work.

Anthony Farr, 49, from Monmouth, was given the rare City and Guilds Medal for Excellence for his work on the Coleg Gwent Level two NVQ Gamekeeping and Wildlife management course.

The City and Guilds judging panel, the UK's leading body for work-related qualifications, praised Mr Farr for his hard work and excellent coursework.

Mr Farr is now in the running to win one of eight prestigious Lion Awards, dubbed "the education Oscars", which will be announced on Monday.

Mr Farr, who is a block paver by trade, said he hoped to set up his own game shoot after completing the Level three part of the course next year. He is studying part-time, attending Coleg Gwent one day a week.

"I've always been a country boy at heart and have attended regular shoots. I'm really pleased with the ward," he said.