CHRISTOPHER Bourne-Arton, pictured, right, has been elected president of the Yorkshire Agricultural Society for the forthcoming year.

A staunch supporter of the Great Yorkshire Show and the countryside in general, he has an extensive knowledge of both farming and rural life.

Mr Bourne-Arton runs the family-owned Tanfield Lodge Estate, near Ripon, with its 11 tenanted farms, two pubs, village shop/post office and garage, plus recently-renovated workshop units developed to encourage new businesses.

He also spent 20 years working in the hospitality industry.

Mr Bourne-Arton is the national chairman of The Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group and is a former chairman of the North Yorkshire group. He also has strong links with the Country Land and Business Association, of which he is a former Yorkshire county chairman.