A centenarian has won Ryedale Show's annual Agricultural Award.

The award, which is given for outstanding contributions to farming, will be presented to Benny Dowkes from High Grange, Sinnington.

Mr Dowkes, who celebrated his 100th birthday on June 10 was unanimously agreed upon by the show committee as being the perfect recipient for the award for his  role in farming in Ryedale over the past century.

Tom Scaling, who nominated Mr Dowkes for the award, said:  “Benny started out as a young man working on a farm at Helmsley, on the same farmyard as Omega Barn stands now, working with horses. Later he moved to Sinnington as tractor driver for Major Baldwin at Elmsall Farm, before moving to his own tenanted farm - growing crops, milking cows, keeping pigs and growing potatoes.

"His skill and experience have been handed down to his family and grandchildren. Benny is still farming to this day, in what will be his 100th year.

"Being a neighbour of mine all my life and having seen his achievements, I am very sure many others have a very great respect for this true Ryedale farmer.”

Mr Dowkes started as a farm hand when he left school at 13 and worked his way up, taking over the farm tenancy before finally buying the farm himself.

He still lives at High Grange Farm, Sinnington and farms with his two sons Colin and Alan, along with grandson James and Andrew.

Mr Dowkes still takes part in ploughing but now uses modern equipment instead of horses.

Nominations for Ryedale Show's Annual Agricultural Award are invited each year to encourage people to consider anyone who they think would deserve the award. The nomination can be anyone connected with farming in the Ryedale area. The first award was presented in 1997.

Mr Dowkes will receive his much deserved award, in the form of a silver plated, cast medal, in the main ring at this year’s Ryedale Show on Tuesday, July 25.

Ryedale Show is a traditional Agricultural Show established in 1855, committed to supporting local farming and rural crafts by showcasing livestock, machinery, horticulture, crafts, produce, farming methods and processes for education and improvement. For more information, to enter a class or buy tickets visit www.ryedaleshow.co.uk.