TWENTY-FOUR members of the Yorkshire Young Farmers emerged victorious in the northern Stockman of the Year competition.

They took on teams from Cumbria, the East Riding, Lancashire and Northumberland when they travelled to the auction mart in Hexham.

Each member had to judge and give reasons for their placing on dairy and beef cattle, breeding sheep and butcher's lambs, as well as completing an animal health questionnaire.

Sarah Priestly, of Aire Valley Young Farmers' Club (YFC) finished in first place in the under-18s competition, Ann-Marie Brown from Nidderdale YFC, won the under-26 competition.

Ryan Atkinson from Winksley-cum- Grantley YFC, was second with David Gratton, of Nidderdale YFC, taking third place.

In the overall team awards Yorkshire A was first followed by Yorkshire C in second place and Yorkshire B third.

They now go forward to the national finals, to be held in Warwickshire next month.