FARMS across North Yorkshire will be throwing their gates open to the public on Open Farm Sunday this weekend.

The annual event is organised by LEAF (Linking Environment And Farming) and is a must for anyone interested in food, farming or the countryside.

Among those taking part will be The Pizza Farm at Youlton Lodge, Tollerton, near Easingwold.

The farm’s Mike Newland said: “Last year’s event attracted nearly double our anticipated visitors and we expect the event to be equally popular this year. The main attraction last year was the freshly prepared and cooked wood oven pizzas.

“We will be serving pizzas again this year, and with a farm walk, nature-trail quiz and RSPB-guided bird-spotting walk, we think it will be a great way to spend a few hours out in the country.”

The Pizza Farm will be open from 10.30am to 3.30pm.

This will be the sixth Open Farm Sunday and more than 450 farms are expected to open. • Among other local farms opening their gates will be: The Grainary, Keasbeck Hill Farm, Harwood Dale, Scarborough: Open from 11am to 4pm. Meet the friendly animals and enjoy a drink and cake In the farm tearooms.

Low Penhowe, Burythorpe, Malton: Feed the chickens, geese, turkey and duck. Admire the farm’s latest Highland calf.

Beadlam Grange Farm, Pockley, near Helmsley: Tractor/trailer rides through the fields to see cows and calves, ponds, different crops growing and visit the Roman villa. Quad bike handling, farmshop and food.