THE Great Yorkshire Show has a new chief sheep steward.

Susan Cunliffe-Lister, the Lord-Lieutenant of East Yorkshire is to fill the role, show organisers have announced.

Her appointment comes following the decision by the current incumbent Henry Watson to step down following illness.

Mr Watson, whose home is in Driffield, has been involved with the show organisers, the Yorkshire Agricultural Society for 57 years, and has been chief steward since 1995.

Mrs Cunliffe-Lister is no stranger to the society or the Great Yorkshire Show, having been its president two years ago. She has also been a member for many years, and is well known for launching the highly successful Masham Sheep Fair in 1986, where she is still involved.

Bill Cowling, honorary show director said: “We are hugely grateful to Henry for his extremely valuable contribution over the years. During his tenure the sheep section has grown substantially, by 49 per cent, from 1,538 entries in 1995, which is a major achievement. We obviously know Susan well and are looking forward to working with her. She will bring “fresh eyes” to the section and I am sure we will benefit from her wise advice and knowledge.”

Mrs Cunliffe-Lister said: “I am delighted to continue my involvement with the Great Yorkshire Show and hope that my experience with running the Masham Sheep Fair for over 25 years will be useful.”