KYNETON lad Brett Shea has snared a major award in the National Young Auctioneers Competition at the Sydney Royal Easter show today.

Mr Shea, of Elders Albury NSW, was placed first runner up behind national champion Andrew Warden of Ray White Garven and Cousens, Tamworth NSW.

Representing Victoria (as his work as auctioneer takes place in the Wodonga saleyards), a humble Mr Shea, 25, put his success down to experience and practice.He has been named state champion twice, last year and in 2008.

"I certainly didn't think I was in the top two, but the experience of having been there two years ago probably helped,'' he said.

Mr Shea is a regular at the Wodonga yards where he sells prime cattle every Tuesday and store cattle monthly.

Raised on his family's beef farm in central Victoria, Mr Shea first pulled on the pink shirt for Elders Kyneton before making the move to Albury to pursue his craft.

Now, he says he is focused on bringing more business to the company that has fostered his talent.

"The goal is to continue to maintain and grow a client base and a business; that's the aim at the end of the day in this job.''