ABOUT 500 farmers helped an agricultural machinery dealer celebrate 25 years in business.

Brian Robinson started visiting farms in a small van full of tools and spares in 1982.

The anniversary open day at his Brian Robinson Machinery business, in East Cowton, near Northallerton, North Yorkshire, was full of the latest tractors and machinery from major manufacturers - including a Valtra model, which was unveiled for the first time.

Ray West, Valtra sales director for Western Europe, flew from Finland to present Mr Robinson with a scale model of the tractor.

He has worked with the Robinsons since 1992 and said the dealership was "sound" and in touch with the needs of farmers.

He said: "A good dealer gathers good farmers around it and this model tractor is in recognition of the achievements of Brian Robinson Machinery."

The highlight of the day was the cutting of the anniversary cake by Mr Robinson and his wife, Christine, and the raffle in aid of the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution, which raised £735 for farming families in the North-East.

First prize of a four-day visit to Finland and the Valtra factory was won by Martin Atkinson, of Beck Hill Farm, near Northallerton.