IF you are a regular Country News reader, you will have seen lots of articles and pictures of YFC events - so I thought it was about time I filled you in on what YFC is all about!

n Who are we?

YFC is a youth organisation for people in England and Wales aged between 10 and 26, dedicated to supporting young people in agriculture and the countryside.

There are about 700 YFCs made up of of around 20,000 members, making YFC one of the largest rural youth organisations of its kind in the country.

n What do we do?

You name it, YFC do it and members can become involved in a range of activities.

One of the first things you'll find is that everything done by YFCs is organised by the members themselves.

Each club elects a chairman, secretary, treasurer and other positions and together all members decide what they'd like to do and go about arranging it.

Club programmes are so varied but there's usually something for everyone.

By becoming a YFC member you also have the opportunity to go to one of the many social events that are organised.

There is usually something on every Friday night and you will have the chance to dress up through the seasons as there are at least five balls organised a year.

Competitions play a major part in YFC life and you're bound to want to have a go yourself.

You'll find at least one event you can't resist and you only have to talk to one of our members to know that it's pretty addictive once you've started!

It doesn't matter how old you are, how fit you are or what skills you already have.

They're open to everyone and there's always someone who can get you in training or help you get the skills you need to take part, whether it's darts or drama, stock judging or sewing, public speaking or ploughing.

You can start off at a local level and then find yourself competing in the national championships - anything's possible.

And, in the true spirit of YFC, if there isn't a competition that's up your street, you can start one!

Finally, YFC also gives you the opportunity to travel.

Some clubs choose to organise an exchange with another club, giving you the opportunity to meet new people and see a different part of Britain.

However, if you want to travel a bit further, you can do so through the Discovery Programme.

This provides a unique opportunity for YFC members to travel, meet new people and experience other cultures - in most cases, just for the cost of the air flight and insurance.

Trips vary from one week to six months and you can choose from Australia, New Zealand, Norway, Sweden, Kenya and Zambia, just to name a few.

n Where can I join?

There are 13 clubs in Worcestershire - Abberley, Bromsgrove, Crowle, Cutnall Green, Hagley, Hanley Swan, Inkberrow, Martley, Ombersley, Pershore, Tenbury Wells, Upton-upon-Severn and Wythall.

For further details on joining any of these clubs, please contact the YFC County Office on 01905 621616, or by e-mail to Helen@worcsyfc.org.uk or take a look at our website at www.worcsyfc.org.uk

So, do you want to become involved in a club that's run by people like you, have a laugh and meet lots of new friends? Do you want to put something back into the community and feel good about yourself and your achievements? What are you waiting for, then?