Big guys had better look out.

Byline: By Hannah Davies

William Walton knows his 15-strong chapel will have a tough job competing against Northumberland's 10 other Young Farmers clubs.

But the 23-year-old treasurer of the Ponteland chapel is confident they will be no pull-over in the tug o' war on June 10 when all the clubs convene for this year's county rally.

He says: "We're not the biggest chapel, but we always put up a good fight. I'll also be competing in the obstacle race and I'll help out doing some of the food and organisation.

"One of the good things about the Ponteland chapel is we've members from Newcastle University and Kirkley Hall college, which opens it up to people from beyond the North-East. The rally brings together all of the clubs in the community as a whole and gets everybody involved."

William met his girlfriend Sara Cowen, 26, through a young farmers' event.

"She's a member of the Cambo chapel so we'll be competitors in this rally, but it's all good-natured," William says.

His parents, David and Sheila, run the mixed Castle Farm in Ogle, Northumberland, where he also farms.

As a treasurer for the chapel William looks after fundraising to keep the group going, and transport to and from the rally.

He says: "I've been a member of the young farmers since I was about 13 and I've been treasurer of the chapel for the past two years.

"It's a big day out ( definitely one of the most important events in the farmers' calendar. It means everybody from around the county can get together and get to know each other.

"It makes important contacts between people. It's handy as well as if you're a farmer, or going to go into it. You get to know people who you will be working with in the future, although you don't have to be a farmer to get involved with young farmers.

"People just have to have an interest in the countryside and be aged between 10 and 26."

This year's county rally is being hosted by Whitley Chapel at Low Ardley Farm. Events will include tug o' war, an alcoholic boat race for the over 18s and bog snorkeling, where competitors have to swim through a bog.

The 500 members from across the county will compete in more than 80 competitions with many a qualifier for the Northern and national rounds, including tractor and stock handling and the sport events.

A new national competition has been introduced this year where members have to navigate a 4x4 and trailer around an obstacle course.

And to give every club, no matter what its size, an equal chance, a number of mystery events have been organised.