TOP English ploughman Simon Witty from Malton ploughed ahead to take first place in the reversible class at the World Ploughing Championships held in Northern Ireland on Friday and Saturday.

Competing against 24 national champions from 28 countries across the world, he scored a remarkable 357.75 points to take the top position.

His fellow Englishman, John Hill from Hoylandswaine, Sheffield, scored 271.25 in the conventional class, earning him eighth place out of 31. First place went to Peter Lanz of Austria with 326.5 points.

"Ploughing is one of the last great skills in the agri-world today," said William King, chairman of the Northern Ireland Ploughing Association which was host to the 2004 event.

"The English team demonstrated their world-class abilities to the fullest at this year's contest. The 2004 event was a superb contest, with more than 25,000 spectators and media from all over the world."

In excellent weather, 250 acres of prime land provided by local farmer Jim Barr, ensured that each competitor had similar plots and an equal chance at the title.