TRIBUTES have been paid to a “true Yorkshire lass” who was a familiar face at shows across Ryedale.

Freda Cockerill died at home in Lockton on September 12, aged 73.

A highly-valued and respected member on the Ryedale Show committee, Freda was also involved with Thornton-le-Dale and Egton shows stewarding, and then with bio-security when foot and mouth arrived taking her to markets all over North Yorkshire.

She was chairman of Kirby Misperton Parish Council and Saltersgate Hunt, always raising money and renowned for her generous hospitality and baking.

Freda and her husband Dave, bought Ducks Farm, near Levisham, in 1967, and along with potatoes, wheat and barley, had a small dairy herd, which included three Ayrshire heifers her dad gave the couple as a wedding present, alongside the other friesians.

The couple, who had two children, Phil, who was born in1967, and Graham in 1972, later bought extra land to add 200 Texel sheep to the farm.

Family friend Steven Stonehouse said: “Freda loved showing, winning the overall champion and sweeping the board in the carcase class at the Yorkshire Show. She also enjoyed judging and did so at most shows in North Yorkshire.”

In 2002, Freda and Dave, bought Fox and Rabbit Farm, near Lockton.

Steven added: “Freda just loved it there. She then indulged her passion for Cleveland Bays and one that she bred and then sold was overall Breed Champion at Yorkshire Show in 2019.”

In November last year her grandson Sam was born.

“She was over the moon and so proud - it is such a pity that Sam will miss out on talking and learning from a true Yorkshire lass,” Steven said.

“Freda meant so much to so many, more than a loving mother to Graham - a best friend too. Such a wonderful and caring lady who enriched all our lives, but at least the possibility of another generation to carry on what Freda and Dave created.

“Invariably kind and of a cheerful disposition she will be greatly missed not only by her family but also many friends.”