A Northumberland farmer is celebrating after winning a leading conservation award at the Great Yorkshire Show.

Alexander Izat, of Cocklaw Farm, Berwick-on-Tweed, was awarded the Tye Trophy Award, which acknowledges successful commercial farming combined with sound conservation practice.

The competition is run by the Yorkshire Agricultural Society (YAS) and attracts entries from across the north of England.

The judges look at the integration of conservation into a well-run commercial farming system; evidence of future strategy; and the extent to which existing habitats and features have been retained, enhanced and managed effectively.

Mr Izat farms 430 acres, with a further 140 on contract, growing spring and winter barley, oil seed rape and vining peas. High Cocklaw Farm is the amalgamation of three farms and when the family arrived, there were no trees.

Since then, they have redesigned the farms and planted 35,000 hedge plants and 30,000 trees, planting in corners and ensuring a haven for wildlife without impacting on the arable operation. Solar panels on the outbuildings provide energy for the farm.

As the Northumberland area and overall winner, Mr Izat received the trophy, a cheque for £400, a set of crystal glasses and a certificate which were presented by the 2015/16 YAS president, Mrs Sarah York.

Other regional winners were. – Tyne Tees: Edward and Rachel Jewson, East Knitsley Grange, Knitsley, Consett. North Yorkshire: Stewart Stark, Fridlington Farms Ltd, Well Lane, York. East Yorkshire: Ian Hurst, Rosemount Farm, Weaverthorpe, near Malton. West & South Yorkshire: Richard Haigh, New Hall Farm, Mirfield, West Yorkshire.