Heather Barron checks out the latest country fashions for men - and picks her male model from the stylish Northern Echo sports desk

As Chief Sports Writer of The Northern Echo, Scott Wilson can be out in all weathers.

One day he can be covering football matches featuring Middlesbrough, Newcastle United, or Sunderland. The next day, he can be covering anything from cricket, horse racing, rugby or athletics.

Scott was born and bred on a farm in Wolsingham, in Weardale, he's always game for a laugh, and Boro's "Gorgeous George" Friend wasn't available, so who better to sport the latest men’s fashions on display at Sam Turner & Sons?

Just as we took a bit of a calculated risk with our choice of male model, Sam Turner & Sons in Northallerton took a risk ten years ago. They had hit the ceiling as far as space for selling clothing went, but an upsurge in interest of ‘country’ clothing meant that established manufacturers were looking at catering for a more fashion-conscious, younger market.

As ‘the country-look’ became very fashionable, original names previously selling functional basics – like Barbour – began expanding their ranges of both men’s- and women’s-wear to offer casual, country-wear for this new market.

A mezzanine floor was built at Sam Turner’s to increase the floor space of the clothing department, and to house a new café for regular customers, and also to attract new customers.

It was a risk worth taking. Clothing sales have increased over the years, and Sam Turner, along with manufacturers like Barbour, Joules and Aigle, are selling to new customers.

“Years ago,” says Sarah Thomas, Clothing Department Manager, “women used to buy small size men’s Barbour jackets for themselves, as there just wasn’t a women’s range. Now, we stock a number of women’s-wear ranges in all sizes!”

It’s not only women who have become more fashion-conscious. Men are shopping with a view to looking good, rather than just for functionality.

“It’s not just about keeping dry and warm while working outside, anymore,” explains Sarah. “Younger men have latched on to the appeal of the country-look - but they also get the quality and durability of a well-made product.

“We’re still a country clothing store – we’re not dictated to by the high street - but we listen to our customers and we want to offer them choice as well as quality.”