BILL Cowling, director of the Great Yorkshire Show, is to step down after a decade of helping to develop the event into one of Britain’s leading agricultural shows.

He took over in 2005 and has helped steer the show through one of the most turbulent times in agriculture and will step down after next years event.

Mr Cowling was made a Deputy Lord Lieutenant of North Yorkshire in recognition of his work with the Yorkshire Agricultural Society (YAS) which goes back 40 years and includes becoming chief cattle steward at the show.

Simon Theakston, YAS chairman, said he has a passion for farming and rural life. “It is impossible to over-state the contribution Bill has made to the Society,” he said.

“ He has been a brilliant show director guiding the show through a challenging period not only for the country’s economy, but also for the world of agriculture.

"The fact that the Great Yorkshire Show is now one of the most important of its kind in the UK is a testimony to his success. He now leaves us with the very challenging task of finding a replacement to take on the mantle. "

Mr Cowling lives at the family farm at Pannal near Harrogate and is president of the Yorkshire Dry Stone Walling Guild.