A CLEVELAND farming family has won a major dairy award for a second year running.

The Donaldson Partners of Viewley Hill, Busby, near Middlesbrough, were champions in the Yorkshire County Milk Recording Herd competition.

They received the supreme trophy at the dinner and awards night held at the Millstones Restaurant, Felliscliffe, Harrogate, on Monday.

It was a particularly noteworthy achievement in a year which attracted entries from 59 farmers throughout the region - the highest number for several years.

Brothers Graham, Paul and Howard Donaldson run a herd of 93 Holstein cows along with 300 sheep, 60 beef animals and grow 400 acres of cereals.

"We were very pleased to win the championship again," said Mr Graham Donaldson, convalescing at home after a hip replacement operation.

"There have been black and white cows on this land since 1948 and we hope by our efforts that we are increasing standards.

"All but three cows are home bred, we keep a closed herd and pay attention to detail and try to improve each calf for the next generation.

"Our herd is very uniform and we pay strict attention to legs, feet and udders to keep a healthy herd."

Mr Donaldson, who was named best herdsman, said they were waiting to see what the single farm payment would bring next year before making decisions on the future and possible expansion, but they hoped to take advantage of whatever was on offer.

Other winners included Jesse Lund and Son of Elm Tree Farm, Kirby Misperton, Malton, who took the Ayrshire championship and two firsts and two seconds in the breed class.

The Stevenson family of Blue House Farm, Liverton, Saltburn, was delighted to win the cups for the best Ayrshire cow family and bull progeny group.

Philip Stevenson, former president of the Ayrshire cattle society, farms with his wife, Sue, and son John, 20, who he described as "cow mad."

"If the opportunity arises for a bigger farm we will invest in the next generation," said Mr Stevenson.

"I would have given up milking five years ago and started to take life easier had it not been for John's enthusiasm and dedication.

"There are very few young people like him, they are few and far between."

The family has had several success in the last few years through steady breeding, patience and a bit of luck.

"We haven't done yet or got where we want to be - at the top - but we are working towards this goal," said Mr Stevenson.

The annual dinner attracted a record 160 people and chairman John Wray said that the numbers present, and in the competition, showed the commitment farmers had to the industry.

Judge Mick Haxby was due to present the trophies but he was in hospital. Instead, his wife, Anne, did the honours.