YORK'S Chloe Hayes came out top in her profession in the entire country.

Chloe, a rural surveyor with Stephensons Rural based at their Murton offices near York, scored the highest marks in the Central Association of Agricultural Valuers (CAAV) two day examination involving up to 180 candidates

She had to undertake a practical, written and oral examination on a working farm and at an examination centre.

The exam tests the candidates knowledge on a broad range of agricultural topics including agricultural practices, valuation, law, taxation, rights over land, development, landlord & tenant, professional practice and general knowledge of the countryside. Chloe was thrilled to have emerged as the top candidate and passing the CAAV professional qualification allows the use of FAAV after her name as a Fellow of the Association.

Chloe said: “I am very proud of achieving this top mark and all the hard work and revision has paid off. I would like to thank my colleagues at Stephensons Rural and CAAV tutorial groups for all their support leading up to the exams."

The CAAV will submit Chloe’s name to the Royal Agricultural Society of England for its Talbot Ponsonby prize for agricultural valuation. The CAAV is the national specialist professional body representing, briefing and qualifying those acting and advising on agricultural and rural property and business matters across the whole of the United Kingdom.

It was founded in 1910 by local valuers’ associations to provide a national organisation with professional authority to represent valuers and ensure professional standards. Every November between 150 and 180 CAAV Probationers take the Association’s demanding two day practical at seven centres involving written and oral examinations for professional qualification, based on a wide-ranging syllabus.

Rod Cordingley, Stephensons Rural partner, said: “This is fantastic news for Chloe who is a highly valued member of the Stephensons Rural team. Her top mark in the examination and submission for the Talbot Ponsonby prize is a reward for all her hard work and commitment."