YOUNG farmer Sam Leng is about to take the next step in his fledgling career – with the help of a sheepdog called Ella.

The agricultural apprentice’s new canine companion is a fully-trained former trials sheepdog who is now giving him a helping paw along his chosen path.

Sam, 24 and from Pickering, is part of the Yorkshire Moors Agricultural Apprenticeship Scheme, giving him work on two farms and one day a week of study.

And now he is getting more help in the shape of Ella, funded by the David Arnold-Forster Trust, set up in honour of a former chief executive of the North York Moors National Park who died in 2002.

Trust spokesman John Varley said: “Throughout his career David championed the cause of upland hill farming.

“Friends and colleagues set up the trust more than 10 years ago to continue his work after his untimely death in 2002, and we’re thrilled to be able to help Sam pursue a career on the land in his home community.”

And Mr Arnold-Forster’s widow Anita said: “Not only has the trust been able to play a part in bringing together Sam and Ella, most importantly it has helped to secure the next generation of upland hill farmers.”

Upland hill farmers, with the nature of the landscape that is worked, can’t use heavy agricultural machinery and rely heavily on sheepdogs when moving and controlling flocks Sam has now been offered a full-time job on a local farm provided he completes his apprenticeship successfully.

“Without the funds from the David Arnold-Forster Trust I would never have been able to afford a sheepdog,” he said.

“Ella is great. It is like she has always been with me. She has made my working life a lot easier too. I am very grateful.”