FARMING communities have been paying tribute to a man whose inspiration helped to keep England's oldest agricultural show on the map.

As a young man, Robert "Robbie" Stobbs was a member of a small team of dedicated dalesmen who revived the Wolsingham show, in Weardale after the Second World War.

Mr Stobbs, who farmed at Newfield, Stanhope, died in Darlington Memorial Hospital last weekend from heart problems.

He was 79 and leaves a son, William, daughter, Anne, and two grandchildren, Emma and Hayley.

His wife, Betty, 67, was the victim of a freak accident in 1999 when her quad bike plunged into a quarry.

Mr Stobbs was born in a caravan at Durham Road Farm, Wolsingham, where his father, Richard, worked as a woodman and horseman.

The family later moved to the nearby High Wiseley Farm, where Mr Stobbs first joined the committee of Wolsingham agricultural show.

In 1947, he and a team of fellow farmers, including Herbert McCullough and Morris Wilson, started reviving the show which had lapsed during the war years.

"Robbie's input to the show can only be described as immense," said Morris Wilson's son, Des, a local councillor and long-term show committee member.

"He was one of the original gang responsible for making the show the great success it is today. His contribution will never be forgotten."

For his 62 years service with the show, Mr Stobbs was made president four years ago.

Mr Stobbs farmed at Newfield since 1960.

His funeral service takes place at St Thomas's Church, Stanhope, today, at 10.30am, followed by a private burial.