A HOLSWORTHY animal behaviourist has won a US film award with her film made at a local store.

Mole Valley Farmers is delighted to hear that the short, quirky film shot at its Holsworthy store has won Best International Commercial 2017 at the EQUUS Film Festival, held in New York recently.

Animal behaviourist, Emma Massingale, who is one of the company’s three sponsored riders, demonstrated her amazing talents by training an array of animals for the film, which promoted the Mole Valley Farmers brand.

On hearing the good news, Emma said: “This is just fantastic! I am delighted that ‘Not Your Average Store’ has won. As it involved not only the ponies but my dog, a chicken and a duck, it was quite a challenge to get them to perform on cue in a store environment, but as the film shows, it all came together on the night.”

Andy Skarzynski, head of marketing, said: “This is such great news. The film is funny and light-hearted, but has really helped us introduce the business to many new customers, which has been brilliant. Many thanks to Emma, who worked with us for months to make this work, and to Equine Productions who filmed it.

“We are delighted and are already planning the follow up, which should be screened on Horse and Country TV and Sky Adsmart in March.”