WELL-KNOWN North Yorkshire dairy farmer Bernard Liddle was this week elected president of Holstein UK.

Farm manager of the award-winning Dalesend herd of Newton le Willows, near Bedale, he is the first member of the North- East Holstein Breeders’Club to become national president.

He brings a wealth of experience to the role and said he was honoured to have the opportunity to represent the area and the breed.

The North-East club hosted the annual Holstein UK AGM and celebration which was based at Blackwell Grange Hotel in Darlington on Monday and Tuesday.

More than 130 delegates from around the UK enjoyed visits to several herds including Dalesend, Studdah at Bellerby, and Aytonian at Great Ayton.

Delegates also visited Mark Johnston Racing at Middleham, the Richmond Ice Cream factory at Leeming Bar and Bolton Castle.

Generous sponsorship was received from Genus, the Yorkshire Agricultural Society, Welcome to Yorkshire, BOCM Pauls, Carrs Billington and Thompson Feeds as well as local herds and agricultural businesses.

Northallerton Male Voice Choir and Howard Petch provided evening entertainment.

The formalities included the election of Mr Liddle, who will represent the 8,000 strong membership of the UK’s largest dairy breed society over the coming year.