Last updated at 15:55, Friday, 20 January 2012

The number of young farmers in north Cumbria increased for the 11th consecutive year in 2011.

There were 799 members in 16 clubs in the area last year, the Northern District’s annual meeting heard at the Greenhill Hotel last Friday.

Outgoing chairman David Norman highlighted an excellent competition year during which Caldbeck triumphed in the national finals of junior public speaking, senior floral art and national cookery.

President David Hurst told the 250-strong audience that it had been an honour and a pleasure to be a part of the organisation again.

The hard work of all members in a year when the county federation raised thousands for the Great North Air Ambulance was praised.

Clare Johnson from Longtown has taken over as president with Alison Burbury, of Raughton Head, as her deputy.

Lesley Pigg from Wigton is chairman with Edwin Holliday from Aspatria as her deputy.

Lindsay Marrs from Armstrong Watson will continue as treasurer.

Kirklinton won the trophy for best winter competition results while Graham Denby was named young farmer of the year. The best club was Egremont.

First published at 14:11, Friday, 20 January 2012
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk