YOUNG Canadian farmer Jessica Francis has been getting her hands dirty and mucking in alongside a dales farming family.

The 21-year-old has spent two weeks helping out on West End Farm, in Hunderthwaite, County Durham, alongside beef farmer Robbie Dalton and his family.

Jessica, who is from Prince Edward Island, on the East coast of Canada, has made the visit to region under an exchange initiative, which also involves young farmers from around the country travelling to Canada to work.

Mr Dalton, 55, said Jessica had made a big impression since she arrived.

He said: "I was approached by the local young farmers' group and asked if I would take a young Canadian farmhand on, and I agreed.

"I must admit I was worried about what I'd let myself in for before she arrived, but she has been absolutely brilliant. I couldn't have wished for more.

"She has been a massive help and we are really sad to see her go because she has fitted in well with the family."

Jessica said she had enjoyed her time in County Durham immensely.

She said: "I'm the only one on the exchange programme to have come to a farm in the North of England, but I'm really glad I did, because it's been great. The Daltons are wonderful and I've really enjoyed my stay and the work on the farm."