A farmer believes a TV show could continue to help local businesses and farms 'thrive'.

Manager of Peepy Farm near Stocksfield in Bywell, Mark Housby, believes that Jeremy Clarkson's TV show, 'Clarkson’s Farm' has helped highlight key problems of farmers and could inspire more people to buy local food.

Originally from a small village in Penrith, Mark was not from a farming background but got 'bitten by the bug' and looked into a career in farming after being inspired by his stepdad.

Only five years ago he took on a managerial position at Peepy Farm, which is owned by farm director Robert Craig.

The farm has 480 cows and supplies dairy products around the area.

"When I first saw the program with Jeremy, I wasn't sure what he was going to be like," Mark said.

"But after two seasons, I have really enjoyed it and seen how he has dealt with issues we farmers have to deal with on a daily basis.

"He has highlighted key issues which I think have helped to bring to light what things need to change.

"Farming is a great job but does come with a lot of challenges - which Jeremy has faced on his farm 'Diddly Squat'."

Although Mark has not had as many problems on the farm but reflects on local farmers who have, he adds: "I have seen our farming friends deal with many problems like TB, and the way Jeremy has covered it was brilliant as he went into in-depth detail of the issue.

"Thankfully and touch wood - we haven't dealt with it but it is a very stressful problem for all who are involved.

"I think the whole program is great and has shown how Jeremy has developed as a person.

"At first he thought farming would be just a job where he could go around in his Land Rover but it has shown how much he actually cares about the farm and on a lot of occasions gets his hands dirty.

"He has shown how much farmers get paid so little for grain and how it has to be perfect otherwise they cannot sell it.

"I think that in this time of food shortages in food supermarkets and people wanting to know exactly where their food comes from, Clarkson has become an idol for promoting buying local food- which will help local businesses thrive."