A TENANT farmer from York has been named the north-east's Farming Woman of the Year in the National Farmer's Union (NFU) President's Awards.

Rosey Dunn, 39, of North Carlton Farm, Stockton-on-the-Forest, juggles the responsibilities of motherhood with running a mixed farm alongside her husband Alisdair.

A full partner in the business, she is a familiar sight at the local auction mart where she buys and sells their sheep and cattle.

Since the farming crisis began three years ago, Alisdair has been driving lorries during the winter months to supplement their income, leaving Rosey in sole charge of the farm.

The award, sponsored by Safeway and Farmer's Guardian, aims to raise the profile of women who play a pivotal role on the farm.

The judges of the regional heats were particularly impressed by Rosey's enthusiasm and described her as an "outstanding ambassador for the farming industry."

Regarding her award, Rosey said: "In recent years, women have taken on an increasingly important role in agriculture and have become more and more involved in farm businesses.

"I enjoy the challenge that running a busy farm brings and I welcome the responsibility of making day-to-day decisions. But our business is definitely a team effort and my husband and I work well together."

Rosey has recently been elected vice-chairman of the NFU York branch and looks set to be only the second woman chairman of the county.

She has lobbied MEPs and Commissioners in Brussels, hosted school visits at her farm and represented her industry in numerous national, regional and local media interviews.

She has also helped promote the Little Red Tractor food label and British agriculture at events in London, Hull, Northallerton and York.

Updated: 10:30 Thursday, January 25, 2001