ONE of the best known personalities in the Ryedale farming world, William Herbert "Willie" Dunn, has died at the age of 93.

Mr Dunn was a leading breeder of Teeswater and Masham sheep throughout his long career in farming, which started at his family's farm at Farndale.

The family moved to Abbot Hagg Farm, Rievaulx, in 1933, and Mr Dunn later took over New Leys Farm, Helmsley, where he farmed from 1939 to 1986.

He was a former president and chairman of the Tees Water Breeders' Association, and a committee member of the Great Yorkshire Show.

Mr Dunn also became president of both the Danby and Ryedale Shows and was a well known exhibitor and winner at agricultural shows throughout North Yorkshire. He had been a sheep judge for 30 years, at events including the Great Yorkshire Show.

As well as being a prominent sheep farmer, Mr Dunn was also an auctioneer, and for more than 70 years as Methodist local preacher, visiting chapels throughout the county.

His wife, Mary, died 13 years ago, and he is survived by his four children, Christopher, Nicholas, Paul and Judith, ten grandchildren and eight great grandchildren.

The funeral of Mr Dunn, who died in a Malton nursing home, was held on Saturday at Helmsley Methodist Church, followed by interment at the town's cemetery. A collection was made at the service in aid of Malton Hospital.

Updated: 09:21 Wednesday, March 19, 2003