FARMERS are likely to be interested in a portrait of one of the leading figures of milk production in the North-East which is coming up for sale on Saturday.

The portrait is by the English school and is of Thomas Bates, who was born in Northumberland, in 1775, and became famous as a breeder of northern dairy shorthorn cattle.

The framed picture, oil on board, is being auctioned by Addisons at a spring fine art and antiques sale in Barnard Castle, County Durham.

It measures 26.5cm by 20cm and is inscribed: Mr Bates, famous shorthorn breeder.

In 1804, he bought a cow called Duchess, from Charles Colling, and started a breeding programme which stressed heavy milking qualities. He is widely regarded as the founder of the dual-purpose type of shorthorn.

The portrait was owned by Barbara Thomas, of Mount Pleasant Farm, in Barnard Castle, and then went to Ainsley House, in Cotherstone, before passing by descent to its present owner.

An estimate of £300 to £400 has been put on the painting.