A TEESDALE farmer was so pleased with his vet he nominated her for an award.

Now Mr Brian Medd and the vet Miss Fiona Hatchell, pictured right, have both come out top from more than 300 entries in the sheep category of the national FarmVet award, a competition designed to promote effective working partnerships between farmers and vets.

Mr Medd, farms 425 acres with his son, Alan, at Low Park Wall, Marwood, near Barnard Castle. They have 150 Swaledales and 500 Mule sheep, plus 120 suckler cows and 100 acres of winter cereals.

His close working relationship with Miss Hatchell, of the Castle veterinary surgeons in Barnard Castle began 2 years ago when he had an abortion problem in the flock.

"I started off by seeking advice and it all developed from there," said Mr Medd. "Fiona is very good. She is very interested in sheep and has done a lot of work for us. It is preventative work really, instead of trying to cure something after it has happened."

The pair get together three or four times a year and discuss the sheep thoroughly, planning a course of action.

"I pay for the visits but it actually means I do not have the emergency call outs to pay for because of the preventative measures we are taking," said Mr Medd.

It means healthier and better quality sheep giving better returns and easier management.

The competition, sponsored jointly by Intervet and United Business Media, involved on-farm independent visits by judges from the National Sheep Association and the Sheep Veterinary Society.

One judge, Mr David Raine of the NSA, said of Mr Medd: "With his vet, Fiona Hatchell, he demonstrated a clear ability to implement a practical flock health plan, incorporating best practice ideals, within the framework of a viable business enterprise."

The pair were delighted with the award and with their prizes. Mr Medd wins an internet-ready PC for the farm and Miss Hatchell a holiday for two in a European city.