WHAT a joy it was to watch Channel 5's programme The Yorkshire Shepherdess on Tuesday evening.

Amanda Owen and husband Clive were shown coping with life and their nine kids on their farm high up in the Yorkshire Dales.

The Owens don't believe in pampering their kids. They all muck in helping Mam and Dad with their chores – no computer games or gizmos were evident here but they all appeared happy and contented with their, at times, brutal lifestyle.

The ones that go to school have a three-and-a-half hour round trip to contend with daily involving buses and taxis. It is evident this is a close and loving family and this was shown in one clip from Christmas when the youngest children were shown hanging up their Christmas stockings and were told to expect what could be afforded, which they gladly did.

Another nice feature was on Mother’s Day when Amanda's 14 or 15 year old son presented her with a gift of a wellie boot puller that he had lovingly made in the farm out-building.

A much younger son presented Mam with a homemade hook he had made from some old copper piping. Again gladly received.

We have watched previous episodes featuring Amanda and Clive with their ever expanding family and look forward to more episodes in the future.

Doug Porthouse, Ferryhill