A RETIRED farmer who has ploughed competitively for more than 50 years has been honoured for his achievement.

John Metcalfe, 79, from Newby Wiske, near Thirsk, has entered at least one competition every year since he began ploughing in 1940 and has entered the annual British National Ploughing Match every year since the competition started in 1950, winning first place in 1970.

Mr Metcalfe was presented with a plaque by the Society of Ploughmen to mark his lifetime's achievement.

"The need for ploughing hasn't changed over the years," said Mr Metcalfe. "Even the way we plough hasn't changed so much. What has changed is the speed you can do it."

When he first started ploughing, Mr Metcalfe used a semi-digger plough, which was the main type available during the Second World War. He now favours a Ransome plough, which he uses to compete in the world-style class of the British National Ploughing Matches.

The competitions are held across the country, and include about ten different classes to accommodate different land and types of machine.

Mr Metcalfe said: "When I first started, there used to be a lot of horse classes, but that's not so common now. But there are lots of different categories, including a vintage class which goes back to the old style, when furrows were smaller."

Competitions regularly attract hundreds of competitors and spectators, with Mr Metcalfe often competing against 40-100 other ploughmen in his class alone.

Competitive ploughing must be completed in a set time, and is judged on appearance, firmness of the turned furrows and straight lines.

Mr Metcalfe said the competition season had extended over the years as the climate had changed. "We used to have to have land ploughed before Christmas, but nowadays it can go on several months later into the new year," said Mr Metcalfe. "The competitions don't go on into the growing season, but there are a few very competitive farmers who keep aside a patch of land to practise on all year."

Mr Metcalfe now lives in the village in Newby Wiske with his wife Pamela, and plans to continue entering and judging competitions. He has two daughters and a son, Michael, who now farms the family's land.

"At the competitions you can associate with like-minded people, people who know ploughing and are interested in it," said Mr Metcalfe. "It actually seems to have been attracting more attention in the last few years. A lot of concentration goes into ploughing, and the competitions are a good way to test your skills."