A STALWART of the Great Yorkshire Show has retired after 60 years' service.

George Westgarth, of Newsham Hall, near Richmond, was presented with a certificate at the show to mark his long association.

He joined the cattle stewards in 1956, aged 17. At the same time, he joined Catterick Young Farmers, where he later became chairman, and developed his knowledge on judging cattle through the enthusiasm of his club leader, Mr Greenwell.

During his years as a Young Farmer, he took part in many judging competitions, taking first prize at the Great Yorkshire Show in 1960, and judging for England at the Highland Show in 1962.

In 1961, Mr Westgarth and his wife, Dorothy, began farming at Newsham Hall where their love of cattle shone through again with the start of the Newsham Limousin herd.

With John Wilson as his stockman, the herd became very successful in the show ring, notably with Newsham Georgia who was breed champion at the Great Yorkshire Show in 1996.

Mr Westgarth said: "My annual three days at the Great Yorkshire Show has been a highlight of my calendar since 1956 – stewarding the cattle, and meeting up with long-standing colleagues has left me with many fantastic memories.

"Over the latter years, it has been good to see the younger generations coming forward and I know they can continue the great tradition of this great livestock show."