DOUGLAS Chalmers has taken over the reins of the North-East region of the Country Land and Business Association.

He will move from his present post as regional director for the North-West, where he manages a team of eight, to succeed Antony Haslam, who retired in December.

While the North-East and North-West will continue to operate as separate regions, both will benefit from shared administration and professional support.

"Farmers, landowners and businesses right across the North are facing common challenges as we enter a new year," said Mr Chalmers. "Our members in the North-East can now benefit from a larger team with considerable experience in rural issues, and can learn directly from other members across the North.

"To further strengthen the team, we will also appoint a deputy regional director, based in the heart of the North-East, who, with the North-East committee, will form a considerable CLA presence for members locally."

A true countryman, Mr Chalmers graduated from Aberdeen with a BSc Ag (hons) in animal science and has farmed and worked in agriculture ever since.

Before joining the CLA, he spent 20 years in the agricultural supply industry, and latterly was feed business manager for Farmway, the Darlington-based, farmer-owned co-operative.

He is still a part-time farmer with a small flock of Herdwick sheep and he spends his leisure time renovating his house and coaching mini-rugby.

Mr Chalmers also paid tribute to the husband and wife team of Antony and Sarah Haslam, who have steered CLA's North-East members through the ups and downs of the past 14 years.

"Antony and Sarah have provided tremendous service to our members in the North-East, and will be a tough act to follow in tougher times," he said.

"The entire rural economy is facing extreme pressures, and it makes no difference if you are a farmer, landowner or a business based in the countryside. These pressures, which obviously affect the sustainability of rural communities and services, demonstrate the need for the CLA as a strong, single organisation which can represent everyone, ensuring that their voices are heard by those who matter and that their points of view are put as strongly as possible"