FOUR members of the North Devon and Tarka Young Farmers' clubs took part in an exchange recently to find out what it was like for youngsters living in rural Holland.

Graham Nott and Liam Turner, from Meshaw YFC, joined Andrew Hookway, from Winkleigh YFC, and Francene Hutchings, from Clawton YFC, on the six-day visit.

The trip was hosted by PJB, a rural youth organisation in Holland, and included farm and factory tours as well as an opportunity to sample the local food. The group visited a farm where white asparagus is grown underground, as well a dairy farm that uses a robotic milking system. They also took part in the traditional Dutch game of klootschieten, which consists of throwing a wooden ball in the least amount of throws over a three kilometre course. No visit would have been complete without a trip to a windmill and the opportunity to buy some clogs.

The Devon Federation of Young Farmers Clubs is the only county which runs its own scholarship programme which is financed by outside businesses and organisations as well as the YFC clubs themselves.

The aim of the scholarship is to broaden members' understanding of what life is like for young people living in rural areas in other parts of the world.

Francene Hutchings said: "The whole group had a fantastic time in Holland, we all learnt a lot about the area and got chance to see many aspects of their daily life and culture.

"This experience would not have been possible without the sponsorship for all of our places and the organisation from Devon YFC and PJB."

The group is now looking forward to playing hosts to their Dutch counterparts in October.