THE Yorkshire Agricultural Society has rewarded men and women from across the county for having some 618 years worth of service to the farming industry between them.

The proud recipients each received a tankard and certificate in recognition of the years of work they have put into many aspects of agriculture - farming, tractor driving and veterinary science to name a few.

They all now have lifelong free entry to the Great Yorkshire Show, and the prizegiving was held at the Harrogate showground. Those honoured included: Alan Bradshaw from Brawby, for 35 years as a director; and Eric Brockless, from Malton, who was employed for 36 years as a forklift truck driver. Then there were three tractor drivers - Eric Hall and Charles Speck from Warter near Pocklington, and Brian Wray of Helperby. And lorry driver Michael Harper from Norton also received the prize.

Pictured above are (from left): Front row David Binks, Alan Bradshaw, Irene Mitchell, Eric Brockless and William Faulds; back row Michael Harper, Peter Hodgson, Tom Norton, Richard Brown, Eric Hall, Charles Speck and Brian Wray.

Updated: 10:28 Thursday, August 16, 2001