JIMMY Doherty is best known for his TV series, Jimmy’s Farm. He is currently preparing for Jimmy’s Harvest Festival of Sausages & Beer, which runs from July 23 to 24. The main stage headliners are Reef and Newton Faulkner with a special appearance from Chas & Dave. DJ BBQ will be running the battle of the hot-wings and Jim himself will be looking after the legendary sausage eating competition. For foodies, there will be cooking demonstrations from Gennaro Contaldo and Marcus Bean and CBBC’s Mr Bloom will be popping in. Tickets and full line-up at www.jimmysfestival.co.uk

What was your first car?

My first car was a sky blue Vauxhall Cavalier. The air fans used to sound like a Harrier Jump Jet taking off! It cost me £400 from the local rag.

The Northern Echo: Vauxhall Cavalier

How many times did it take to pass your test?

I took my test three times! My dad gave me a few lessons in our little red Nissan Micra.

Who would be your ideal fantasy passenger and where would you go?

I’d love to go “Out Out” with Micky Flanagan, below, and Billy Connolly and drive them round their gigs.

The Northern Echo: Funny Man - Micky Flanagan

What is your dream car?

A Land Rover Defender. It’s been part of scientific expeditions and was the workhorse of the British Military. Iconic and sadly no longer made.

The Northern Echo: Land Rover Defender 90 XS Station WagonIT’S amazing that the Land Rover Defender has been produced in one series or another for well over 60 years with so few major alterations. Its design as a rural workhorse was obviously right from the word go and ev

How would you describe your driving style?

Off road Driving Miss Daisy!

Tell me one driving anecdote from your past?

I remember once when the pickup I had was crashed in to and the insurance company said they’d replace it with a similar vehicle which was I was pleased about as I had a lot of fencing to do around the farm. When the day came, a red Nissan Micra turned up!

What are you listening to?

The Northern Echo:

I’m listening to Reef’s new album. It’s brilliant that they’ve made a comeback as I loved them back in the 90s and now they’re coming to our Harvest Festival of Sausages & Beer in July.

What do you drive now?

I drive my dream Land Rover Defender for when I’m doing my day-to-day farming, but for the family I have the Range Rover Sport which is so comfortable for my little herd.

The Northern Echo: Tested - Range Rover Sport