A farmer who opened a shop to sell his own produce has pledged to fight for the survival of agriculture in his new role as a union leader.

Brian Hodgson, 49, who farms with his wife, Sheila, 46, spoke as he was appointed the National Farmers' Union chairman for the North Riding and County Durham.

Mr Hodgson said since opening his shop at Aldin Grange Farm, Bearpark, near Durham, just over a year ago, he had seen the industry descend into turmoil as foot-and-mouth disease struck farms in the area.

He and his wife had to close the shop for six months because they could not send animals to slaughter and feared people might inadvertently carry the disease on to the farm.

Mr Hodgson said: "The farming industry has suffered its worst year in living memory and, as county chairman, I will be fighting for the survival of British agriculture.

"I want to ensure there is a future for farmers because I have a strong belief that, given the choice, consumers do want to buy quality British food."

Mr Hodgson has started a small pig herd and a flock of free-range hens so he can sell his own pig-meat products and eggs through the shop.

He said: "We have an ideal opportunity to sell our own produce and we will look to produce whatever we can sell through the shop.

"We have been gradually building up our regular customers and have found an increasing number of people are willing to come out here to do their shopping because they are looking for that extra quality at a reasonable price."

Cattle are sent to an abattoir ten miles away, and the shop is open from 10.30am to 5.30pm on Fridays and Saturdays.

Read more about the foot-and-mouth crisis here.