FOOT-and-mouth may have forced the cancellation of the Great Yorkshire Show but the annual agricultural long service awards went ahead.

In a special ceremony, Lord Gisborough, outgoing president of the Yorkshire Agricultural Society, presented a tankard and certificate to each of the 15 recipients, who have some 618 years service between them.

One exception to the tankards was Mrs Irene Mitchell, a veterinary receptionist and secretary, who received a commemorative clock.

All 15, who have completed at least 35 years' service within the industry, each receive free entry to the Great Yorkshire Show for life.

Those receiving the awards were:

Mr David Binks of Leyburn Road, Masham, a driver who has worked for W E Jameson and Son for 35 years.

Mr Alan Bradshaw of Rose Cottage Brawby, Malton, who has worked for J Thackray and Sons for 50 years and is director of plant hire.

Mr Eric Brockless, a fork lift truck driver, of Lime Tree Avenue, Malton, who has worked for BATA for 36 years. Mr Michael Harper of Norton, Malton, has been a lorry driver with BATA for 35 years.

Mr Dick Brown of Clayton, Doncaster, is a farm manager with 51 years' service with Mr C A Warde-Aidam.

Mr Bill Faulds of Fox Park Farm, Newton le Willows, has been herdsman for Mr J G Ropner of Dalesend Farms for 35 years.

Mr Eric Hall of Warter, York, has been a tractor driver for Mr T Biggin of Warter Priory Farms for 42 years. Mr Charles Speck has been a tractor driver at the same farm for 43 years.

Mr Peter Godgson of Outram Street, Darlington, is head forester, with 40 years' service, for Viscount Ingleby's Snilesworth Trust.

Mrs Irene Mitchell, has 53 years' service as a veterinary receptionist/secretary in Keighley.

Mr Tom Norton of Brough, East Yorkshire, has been a farm labourer for 49 years for Mr J Bayston.

Mr Brian Wray of Main Street, Helperby, has completed 40 years' service as a tractor driver for A J Spilman and Son