FOR the first time in eleven years, Stamfordham Young Farmers’ Club will host this year’s County Rally at the weekend, which will see clubs from across Northumberland get together and participate in some friendly competition.

Already the clubs have gone head-to-head in the first of three rounds in the traditional tug of war competition, carried out last week at Breckney Hill Farm at Heddon-on-the-Wall.

Fourteen teams took part in an attempt to make it to the finals at the rally, but only twelve will face each other across the rope on Saturday, with Shaftoe and Alnwick competing for the ladies’ team, while Haltwhistle and Cambo compete in the men’s tournament.

Stamfordham and Whitley Chapel will compete in both.

The annual stockjudging competition was split into three categories this year.

The dairy section was held at Breckney Hill, whilst beef and the novelty Christmas tree section took place at Broomhall Farm, Ponteland. The results will be revealed at the rally.

Stui Carr, rally chairman, said he was thrilled that the event had got off to a great start, with over 200 YFC members in attendance.

The rally will take place at Great Law Farm, Capheaton, with the Walby family opening their doors to members from all ten clubs across Northumberland, many of whom will no doubt be donning green, in keeping with this year’s Irish theme.

Alongside the traditional sports events, flower arranging competitions and tractor handling will be a special St. Paddy’s Picnic and a Grand National-themed relay race.

The County Rally will take place from midday on Saturday.