FARMERS are set to display some model behaviour at the Great Yorkshire Show when they take to the catwalk for a fashion show.

Two farmers from Yorkshire and Durham have been named finalists in Model Young Farmer 2009 competition, the first time male models have taken part in the annual fashion shows at the agricultural event.

The winner of the contest, which attracted nominations from across the region, will be announced on the first day of the event, which runs from Tuesday, July 14 to Thursday, July 16.

Stephen Knowles, 30, of Langthorpe, near Boroughbridge, North Yorkshire, who works on his family farm, and Jimmy Atkinson, 25, a cow and sheep farmer from Harperley Hall, Co. Durham, will join five other finalists to show off the latest fashions from Yorkshire designers.

Mr Knowles, who was nominated through his position as Chairman of the Yorkshire Federation of Young Farmers, is nervous about his appearance.

"I’m a bit apprehensive about being up on the catwalk in front of an audience, but I’m passionate about the opportunities the Young Farmers can offer and really wanted to help promote the organisation," he said.

"I think I will enjoy it, and it will certainly be an experience – it’s not like anything I’ve ever done before, that’s for sure."

The finalists for Model Young Farmer will perform at four fashion shows on Tuesday only, at 11am, 12.30pm, 2.30pm and 4pm, with the winner being announced after the 2.30pm show.