PRINCE Charles impressed a North-East farmer with his knowledge about the region when he presented him with an MBE at Buckingham Palace.

David Maughan was given the honour for his efforts in the farming industry, as well as the work he does at his Morton Tinmouth farm, near Barnard Castle, County Durham.

He visited the palace with his wife, Lorna, their son, William, and daughter, Rachel.

Mr Maughan said yesterday: "The prince was extremely friendly. When he heard I was a farmer from this part of the world, he said he knew Teesdale well and asked how things were in the industry.

"He obviously understood about farming in this region because he talked about it for quite a while. I was impressed by the time he gave me, because he was presenting medals to 100 people that day."

Mr Maughan is a former chairman of the Darlington and county branches of the National Farmers' Union, and was on the North-East Livestock Board for several years. He is also a former secretary and president of the Young Farmers' movement.

He said: "I've done my best to help other farmers over the years, but so have many other people, so I was surprised to be put forward for the MBE."

He has been in farming all his life, as has his brother, Peter, who has a farm near his. Their father, Jack, had a farm on Raby Estate.