FARMWORKERS who have notched up more than 35 years for their employers were honoured by the Yorkshire Agricultural Society.

A total of 15 long-serving workers, with a grand total of 589 years' service between them, received awards at the Great Yorkshire Show.

Society president John Henderson made a presentation to the workers , whose roles vary from the traditional jobs of herdsman and forester to sprayer operator.

They each received an engraved tankard and life admittance to the show to mark their achievements.

Yorkshire Agricultural Society chief executive Nigel Pulling said: "These are the unsung heroes without whom business just could not cope.

"We are here to give them some recognition."

Ron Turner, 55, from Long Marston, near York, has worked as a herdsman looking after dairy cattle for the last 40 years. He puts his longevity in the workplace down to his relationship with his employers, F K Abbey at Hall Farm. "I left school and joined here when I was 15," he said. "And I have stayed ever since because I've enjoyed it so much. "I have never had a wrong word with anyone at the farm, which is remarkable in 40 years, and I have enjoyed being there.

"There aren't many people who can say they have really enjoyed a life of hard work, but I have," he said.

Graham Johnson, an agricultural worker from the Birdsall Estate, near Malton, agreed. "I have been quite happy there, which is why I stayed my whole working life.

"I enjoy the job, being with the work force, and get on with my employers. For so many of us on the estate, we joined from school and have spent our lives there."

Other farmworkers honoured were: Alan Baker, Malton (35 years), Charles Beaumont, Goole (43), Paul Botterill, Kirkbymoorside (43), Peter Carver, Thirsk (35), John Crossland, Malton (35), Peter Pickersgill, Ripon (36), Gerald Pollin, Naburn (40), Michael Richardson, Helmsley (39), Wilfred Snow, Doncaster (38), Brian Surtees, Ripon (38), Arthur Walker, Tadcaster (36), Jason White, Hartlepool (50), and Brian Wilson, Helmsley (46).

Meanwhile, a North Yorkshire farming couple have scooped a top prize at the show.

The Supreme Champion Beef Animal award was won by David and Mary Cormack, who farm at Sutton, near Thirsk. They were awarded the prize for their champion British Limousin, Sarkley Nellie. "It's fantastic, tremendous, to have won. I am very proud," said Mary Cormack.

The prize is particularly impressive as the couple have only been on their own farm for one year. "David was a farm manager, but he was made redundant last year and so we decided to try to go into business ourselves."

Updated: 10:53 Friday, July 11, 2003