A society member for more than 50 years, Michael Bannister has been a long-standing contributor to the improvement of agricultural life in Yorkshire and beyond.

A second cousin of Roger Bannister, the first man in history to run the four-minute-mile, Mr Bannister's chief duties as president of the organisation, which organises the Great Yorkshire Show each year, will include chairing the four-society council meetings representing the organisation at ceremonial and social engagements.

In his new role he is keen to spread the message of the work that the society does beyond the Great Yorkshire Show.

"I do not think a lot of people realise what it does do. In terms of education in the last few days we had more than 6,000 young people from schools around Yorkshire at the showground helping educate them about the countryside.

"The society also encourages people to be entrepreneurial and can provide backing for people to set up in business who possibly banks would not take the risk on. It supports young people who have got ability and we have got the skills through our people to advise and help them.

"It is very difficult and expensive for people to set up."

Based at Coniston Hall near Gargrave, Mr Bannister's land includes two dairy farms as well as beef and sheep farming.

Although Mr Bannister's business background is in textiles, he has been involved in agricultural work for much of his life. As well as his membership of the society, he has been president of both the Trawden and Gargrave Shows, as well as looking after the Terrier Show at the Great Yorkshire Show for 20 years.

The summer showcase event holds a strong place in Mr Bannisters' heart.

"Without doubt it is the best in England, in my opinion anyway. The investment that has been put into the showground is wonderful and the new buildings there are used all the year round for different things.

"We have a very strong team in the society, with good leadership in the shape of show director Bill Cowling. We also have the new October show of Countryside Live and it is very important that we promote that hard. This year's event will feature cattle and horses for the first time.

"Far too many shows have become fun fairs and have forgotten that they are supposed to promote agriculture and show off livestock and produce."

As well as the presidency of the agricultural society, Mr Bannister is chairman of the Coniston Hotel complex, which includes a hotel, restaurant and conference facilities.

The area of the Yorkshire Dales in which he lives was among the hardest hit by the foot and mouth outbreak in 2001 and Mr Bannister says that although things are improving, agriculture is still facing challenging times.

"Farms have got to make sure they produce what the market wants and give the service and quality that is needed for the long-term.

"I do not think that the Government seems to care very much about what is going on in the countryside, which is still facing a very difficult time. Politicians want all the votes they can get and most agricultural areas are in relatively small in numbers and votes, so they can afford to not look after these areas."

Mr Bannister will hold the position until July 2009.