A MAN steeped in the world of agriculture has taken over the reins at one of the region’s leading shows.

Steven Clarke has become the new president of Malton Show following his retirement after more than 12 years as chief executive of Brandsby Agricultural Trading Association, known as Bata.

He has had a long and varied career - after completing a degree in agriculture he worked for the Overseas Development Administration spending time in East Africa whilst studying for his Masters in tropical agriculture.

That was followed by a five-year stint in Saudi Arabia where he managed a fully-irrigated livestock farm “turning the desert green”.

Returning to the UK, Mr Clarke progressed through a series of senior management roles in agricultural businesses, co-operatives and suppliers in the North of England before moving to Yorkshire with his wife, Daphne, and three sons to join Bata in 2002.

This year’s show takes place on July 5 at Scampston Park, near Malton, from 9am.

Entry is £10 for adults and £5 for concessions and 12 to 16-year-olds. Under-12s get in free.

Further details can be found at maltonshow.com