A MAN once affectionately known as Mr Yorkshire is to head the judging panel appointed for the Country Land and Business Association (CLA) Farm and Country Buildings Award in the Northern counties.

Ian Kibble, who was regional secretary for the CLA in Yorkshire until he retired in 1998, is the chairman of one the top countryside architectural events in England and Wales.

Originally planned to be held last year but postponed because of the foot-and-mouth crisis, 33 entries for the award have already been received from across the region.

The awards are intended to reward excellent design and high standards of workmanship in new buildings and conversions.

They are presented to the owners of buildings which meet the exacting standards of design, siting and workmanship demanded by the judges