A NORTH Yorkshire couple have been named the Co-op's Poultry Farmers of the Year.

James and Lucy Sanderson, of Morton-on-Swale, near Northallerton, were named at the retailer's annual Farming Awards ceremony at last week's Great Yorkshire Show in Harrogate.

The husband and wife duo, of Morton Grange Farm, manage 28,000 free range hens and are part of the retailer’s Egg Farming Group.

They were credited as progressive and forward thinking agricultural professionals who place a sharp focus on sustainable farming, the promotion of renewable energy and taking an active role in their local community.

Their trophy, which was collected by James’ father, Mr Sanderson, was presented by Guy Smith, the NFU’s deputy president and Adele Balmforth, the Co-op’s head of fresh produce.

Will Jackson, the Co-op’s senior agricultural manager, said: “We’re delighted to call James and Lucy our Poultry Farmers of the Year. They are extremely active and enthusiastic member of the Co-op’s Egg Farming Group and are very worthy winners.”