A ROAD weary Stuart Murray walked his final mile into the Northumberland Young Farmers' Rally at Alnwick having smashed his £3,500 fund-raising target.

Stuart, who is the current President of the Northumberland Federation of YFCs trekked 170 miles in total around the highways and byways of Northumberland, visiting all ten of the county's active clubs.

"I wouldn't want the modelling contract for flip flops at the moment," said Stu of Wallridge, Ingoe, after taking off his walking boots along with several toenails.

"But I had marvellous weather and we saw some beautiful countryside. It was quite an adventure," he said.

Stuart, (54), was accompanied by his wife, Jane, a mental health nurse specialist, on part of his journey whilst young farmers from the county's clubs - Berwick, Coquetdale, Cambo, Heddon, Stamfordham, Bellingham, Haltwhistle, Shaftoe, Whitley Chapel, Tritlington and Alnwick also joined him on different legs of his journey.

They raised more than £4,000 to be split between two charities - the Great North Air Ambulance and Papyrus, the national charity for the prevention of young suicide. Chris' employer, Origin Fertilisers, contributed £1,500 of that sum.

Finishing up at the county rally was a real homecoming said Stuart, whos daughter, Kate, is a member of Stamfordham YFC. "We had a fantastic rally. There was a great atmosphere and it was a great success enjoyed by all. The best thing about Northumberland Young Farmers is all the clubs support each other and that is quite something."

As well as raising money for charity, Chris said he decided to take on the challenge in order to raise the profile of Young Farmers Clubs which he believes provide a great environment for all young people - not just those from farming backgrounds - to meet up socially.

"We are told that poor mental health is a bigger issue in the country areas. If there are people who are feeling a bit lonely Young Farmers is a great thing for them to join."