A NEW milking parlour has helped a dairy farmer pick up an accolade.

Neil Barker, who runs Thornborough Farm, Northallerton, has been named Dairy Farmer of the Year by the Yorkshire Agricultural Society.

Mr Barker, who took over the 245-acre family farm five years ago, will now be one of six farmers competing for the overall Farm of the Year title.

He recently installed a rapid exit milking parlour on his farm as well as a 150-carrier accommodation unit.

Ken and Colin Donald, who farm at West Rounton, near Northallerton, are also in the running for the overall award after winning the categories for pigs and farms up to 100 acres.

Their Mount Pleasant Farm has 75 acres and 220 breeding sows, as well as 5,000 broiler breeders.

Young Manager of the Year was Robert Moore, who runs High Jervaulx Farm, Masham, near Ripon. He is also involved in the management of the successful Brymor Ice Cream operation.

The awards will be presented by society president Warren Fenwicke-Clennell at the Great Yorkshire Show, on Wednesday, July 12.

Each category winner will receive £200 and a commemorative trophy while the overall winner will receive £599 and a commemorative salver.