A FARMERS' leader whose avowed aim is to reverse the 30-year decline in UK farm production will be principal NFU guest at the 215th Westmorland County Show next month.

Union vice-president Guy Smith, who runs a mixed family farm in north east Essex, will meet Cumbrian, north Lancashire and Dales farmers during the show at Lane Farm, Crooklands, on September 11.

Voted one of the UK's favourite agricultural shows, the event attracted around 30,000 visitors  in 2013.

This year there will be around 400 trade stands while livestock sections will include cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, heavy horses, alpacas, dogs and poultry.

Other attractions include a return visit by TV chef Phil Vickery, who will stage demonstrations in the enlarged Food Theatre.

Agricultural Society chief executive Christine Knipe said: "Phil was at the show last year and enjoyed himself so much he asked if he could come back. We were delighted to say, 'yes'."