The farming industry was given a much needed boost when the Duke of York visited the Great Yorkshire Show yesterday.

Prince Andrew set a furious pace to see as much as he could during a three-hour stay at the Harrogate showground.

A whistlestop tour after lunch in the Pavilions complex took in the cattle and sheep pens, the food hall, forestry area and machinery stands.

However, ten minutes ahead of schedule, he arrived early at the president's box at the main arena giving him a grandstand view of bio-security in action.

With foot-and-mouth disease still very much in farmers' minds, men in fluorescent green suits have been clearing the ring of droppings between each event - and the Duke watched the meticulous clean-up operation for five minutes before a display of horse-drawn coaches was allowed to enter the ring.

Nevertheless, the Duke appeared to enjoy his visit.

"He was relaxed and easy to talk to," said Cynthia Shipley of Scotch Corner, who was among those he spoke to in the cattle rings.

"His knowledge was obviously limited, but he still seems interested," she said.

Richard Baines, of Hexham won champion and reserve champion with his Ayrshire cattle, a year after foot-and-mouth had threatened his livelihood.

"The Prince seemed impressed with the animals and seemed to know a little bit about them," he said.

On route to the food hall, the Duke was distracted by a magnificent bird - perched on the wrist of Settle falconer Chris O'Donnell.

The bald eagle was part of a flying display staged by the North Yorkshire Falconry Centre and prompted a number of questions from the Duke.

However, once at the next point on his tour, Prince Andrew was introduced to chairman of Hawes-based Wensleydale Dairy Products, John Gibson, whose firm was confirmed as winner of the show's Supreme Cheese Award, as well as Best Yorkshire Product and Best Territorial Product.

"The fact that we are here and winning prizes is a tribute to our staff who have been through a very difficult year," said Mr Gibson.

"Perhaps our success and some interest from a member of the Royal Family will herald better times ahead."