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Youngster is an Agricultural Exhibition wonder - Fifteen firsts, four seconds, one third and he's six

Jayson Simons is only six, but he picked up 15 first-places at this year's Agricultural Exhibition.

For six-year-old Jayson Simons, the annual Agricultural Exhibition is one of the year's high points.His entries this year included vegetables, pumpkin bread, papier mache oranges and a miniature “garden” in a recycled container.Jayson submitted 24 entries of which 15 earned first-place prizes, four second, one third and one was highly commendedWith a little help from Director of Parks Lisa Dawn Johnston, Jayson also tagged along with a tour of the show for special guests.His enthusiasm also earned him a commendation in the House of Assembly from Public Works Minister Michael Weeks.Mr Weeks told MPs in Parliament: “Little Jayson was so excited to be taking part in the exhibition that he even pulled our honourable Premier [Paula Cox] aside to speak about his participation in the show.“I cannot express how much that touched my heart. This is something this young person will cherish for the rest of his life, which truly epitomises what this event is all about. And he has already proclaimed that he wants to enter even more exhibits next year.”Agreed Jayson: “That's what my mummy said to me. I'm going to enter guinea pigs.”Jayson is the proud owner of three dogs and four parrots, with the “boss” being a 37-year-old venerable named Paul.“My mummy said when I get to eight or nine, I'm getting a parrot that can talk,” he added.Jayson's vegetables, grown at his home in Somerset, did well at the 74th Exhibition.“We decided to try gardening this year,” Jayson told The Royal Gazette. “We had broccoli, cauliflower, tomatoes and carrots.”He added: “The strawberries didn't do so well.”His secret for growing winning produce? The Paget Primary P2 student said: “Spray them with water from the hose so they can grow.”Parents Dorann and Jay Simons may have to build a cabinet down the years for all the Exhibition prizes their son will have picked up.However his parents' immediate concern?“We think he might have too many pets,” Jayson's mother confided.

Jayson Simons, six, with some of the rosettes he was awarded at the Agricultural Exhibition.
Jayson Simons is only six, but he picked up 15 first-places at this year's Agricultural Exhibition.
Jayson Simon is only six, but he picked up 15 first-places at this year's Agricultural Exhibition.