THE Director of the Great Yorkshire Show is to step down after a decade of helping to develop it into one of Britain’s leading agricultural events.

Bill Cowling took over in 2005 and has helped steer the show through some of the most turbulent times in agriculture. He will step down after next year's event.

Mr Cowling was made a Deputy Lord Lieutenant of North Yorkshire in recognition of his work with the Yorkshire Agricultural Society, which goes back 40 years. It includes becoming chief cattle steward at the show which attracts nearly 130,000 visitors a year to the Harrogate showground.

Simon Theakston, Chairman of the Yorkshire Agricultural Society. said Mr Cowling has a passion for farming and rural life.

“It is impossible to over-state the contribution Bill has made to the society,” he added.

“He has been a brilliant director guiding the show through a challenging period not only for the country’s economy, but also for the world of agriculture.

"The fact that the Great Yorkshire Show is now one of the most important of its kind in the UK is a testimony to his success. He now leaves us with the very challenging task of finding a replacement to take on the mantle."

Mr Cowling lives at the family farm at Pannal near Harrogate and is President of the Yorkshire Dry Stone Walling Guild.