Young Farmers are not necessarily known for their sartorial prowess, but a crop of coutureclad rural lads will be leaving their wellies at home this week and heading for the catwalk.

IT’S a mucky job mostly, working on a farm. Long hours, lots of mud and grease and close encounters with smelly animals don’t leave much space for high fashion. But if you think that all young farmers in our region know are wellies and overalls, you would be wrong.

Jimmy Atkinson, from Crook, County Durham, will be leaving his wellies at home and strutting his stuff in designer clothes in the Model Young Farmers’ competition at this year’s Great Yorkshire Show.

The 25-year-old helps his parents on their farm in Harperley Hall, where he is mostly involved in logging and repair work, but also looks after the cattle and sheep. He was nominated to take part in the show by his proud mother, who was convinced – as all mothers are, of course – of his good model looks. “It was a bit of a surprise and shock when I found what she had done,” says Jimmy. “I think my mum found it rather amusing. But then I thought, why not? It could be quite funny.”

Jimmy is one of seven young farmers from Country Durham, North and West Yorkshire who have made it into the final of the competition. In preparation for the catwalk show tomorrow, after which a winner will be announced, all finalists got a sneak preview of the designer outfits they’ll be wearing.

Among them were Paul Smith pieces supplied by Lynx of Harrogate and retro Vivienne Westwood clothing from the personal collection of TV celebrity florist, Carl Wilde.

The Young Farmers also received advice and training on being a catwalk model from Bernadette Gledhill of Louise Morton & Co, who co-ordinates the fashion shows for the Great Yorkshire Show.

On the day of the competition, Jimmy will be wearing an outfit by flamboyant fashion designer Vivienne Westwood.

“It’s a bit of an acquired taste,” says Jimmy about the sharp grey suit and blue shirt and tie combination he will be modelling.

“I was told it was really expensive, but I don’t think it would be something I would walk around in town in. Normally I like to wear jeans and a nice T-shirt.”

If he is lucky enough to harvest the £300 up for grabs, Jimmy doesn’t intend to splash out on any labels. “I probably won’t be buying any Vivienne Westwood clothes, I have to admit,” he laughs. “I’d probably put it towards my motorbike test, which I’m hoping to do soon.”

The Model Young Farmer contest will be held tomorrow, the first day of the Great Yorkshire Show.

Other daily fashion shows include prom dresses from Dawn Stretton of Leeds and the launch of Mary Benson’s autumn/winter collection. The talented 19-year-old from Leeds is currently on placement with designer Alexander McQueen. There will also be collections from fashion students around the region.

■ The Great Yorkshire Show takes place from tomorrow until Thursday at the showground in Harrogate. The programme includes competitive classes for more than 5,000 animals, demonstrations of country skills, cookery theatre, international showjumping and a vast range of shopping opportunities.

Tickets on the gate £21 for adults, £10 for children. Parking is free and extensive.

For more information, log on to greatyorkshireshow.co.uk and yas.co.uk.