A COUNTY Durham farm is to host North Sheep 2017.

WH & J Smith & Sons of West Shields Farm, near Tow Law, will host the biennial National Sheep Association event, which regularly attracts about 8,000 visitors.

It provides a platform for sheep producers to hear from industry experts and features hundreds of exhibition stands and will also highlight how the hosts operate their commercial sheep enterprise.

West Shields Farm is a family run partnership, managed by John Smith alongside his two sons, David and Alan. John’s nephew and his son are also involved.

The 900 acre traditional mixed farm, sits at 270 metres above sea level, and is home to a commercial sheep flock of 1,350 Mules and some Texels. The family use Texel rams purchased locally where possible.

The farm is also home to 300 suckler cows and the family has a local contracting business. David Smith said: "This is a team effort! It is a family farm with everyone involved working together.

"We have been members of the National Sheep Association for a considerable time and regularly attend North Sheep so as a family we are are delighted to be hosting the 2017 North Sheep event."

The event – on Wednesday, June 7, next year – will be the first headed up by Heather Stoney-Grayson, who took over as the NSA's Northern Regional Manager and Events Organiser on the retirement of Julie Sedgewick.

She said: "Having helped Julie run the last two events, I am looking forward to the hard work in front of me.

"Thanks must go to the Smith family who have agreed to host North Sheep next year, we are extremely grateful, as without the support of farmers, events like this would not be possible."