NORTH East farmers are being urged to show off their best bits to the judges of a competition to find the UK’s most beautiful farm.

Northumberland has already been successful in the competition – Tiptoe Farm in Cornhill on Tweed scooped the top award in 2006 and North Bellshill Farm near Belford was highly commended the same year.

This year’s Beautiful Farm Awards has a judging panel made up of farming experts and celebrities, including TV chef James Martin.

Mr Martin said: “Farming is a serious business and we’re looking at their business models and profitability as well.”

The competition, now in its fifth year, is being organised by Farm Business magazine and agricultural machinery makers New Holland.

Alan Whibley, the magazine’s publisher, said: “It’s the farmers that are keeping the countryside looking good. They look after livestock, repair miles of dry stone walls, hedges and fencing, plant wildflower meadows to encourage insects and wildlife, and are in the forefront of the defence against colony collapse disorder in bees, providing environments in which they will thrive.

“They manage waterways, woodlands, paths and bridleways – and ultimately, they put food on our table, something that is becoming more and more critical to all of us.”

Entry forms for the awards are available by telephoning (01892) 861 664 or by emailing awards@ghpublishing.co.uk. The deadline for entries is October 9, 2009. The winner, who will receive a trip to Italy, will be announced at a ceremony at the House of Lords on November 19.