A FARMER from Northumberland has been presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award by Holstein UK.

The presentation took place at John Moffitt's Fi-Fie-Fo-Fum Creativity Centre and gallery, in Newton, Corbridge, near Hexham.

Mr Moffitt joined what was then the British Friesian Cattle Society in 1947 and later became the fourth member of his family to be chairman.

He said he was delighted to receive the award after a 60-year association with the society.

He said: "It's a great honour to receive this accolade and I'm proud to have played a role in the development of the breed society, as well as the development of the modern UK Holstein cow.

"We've seen enormous technological advances during the past century and farming has adopted and adapted to these changes."

The award was presented by representatives from the society, including president William Ley, chairman David Tomlinson and chief executive officer David Hewitt.

Mr Hewitt said Mr Moffitt was renowned worldwide for his entrepreneurial wisdom and ideas that had helped shape the future of British cattle-breeding.

He said: "John has provided immense leadership, vision and enthusiasm to the society as well as the whole of Britain's agricultural industry. There is no one more appropriate to receive this award than John Moffitt."

Mr Moffit recently published his autobiography - 60 Years of Farming - in which he describes the agricultural changes and advances that have occurred during his tenure of the famous Hunday Holstein herd.