THE bad weather didn’t put a dampener on Northumberland young farmers’ big day, as more than 400 members gathered for the annual County Rally on Saturday.

Held at Great Law Farm, Capheaton, it was hosts of the day Stamfordham YFC who came up trumps and took home the Rally Shield, awarded to the club which was most successful in the day’s competitions.

They were followed in second place by Whitley Chapel.

“It was a proud moment for Stamfordham,” said rally chairman Stui Carr.

“Both past and present club members put in a unbelievable amount of hard work across many cold and long nights in preparation of the rally, so it was a very deserving win.”

Stamfordham members Will Scott, Sam Richardson and Lucy Adamson helped propel their club to victory by winning their categories in the ATV and tractor handling competition, whilst the club overall won the stockjudging competition, women’s tug of war and most improved club on last year.

Awards went out across the whole county however. Whitley Chapel won the men’s tug of war and the title of best club in sports, whilst Shaftoe was awarded best club display. Bellingham came first in junior sports, whilst Haltwhistle member Johnny Redden won the junior achievement award.

Keeping in fitting with the Irish theme of the day, Stamfordham put on a potato and spoon race, potato bobbing and a Irish dancing competition.

“You make friends for life in Young Farmers’, but often you are split around the county,” said Stui.

“It’s the rally that brings us all together year after year,”