Teesdale businessman 'honoured' to meet Princess Royal at farm college reopening

A £12.75 million redevelopment of Durham East College's Houghall Campus, including a host of new agricultural buildings, has be opened by the Princess Royal.
Much of the construction work was carried out by Teesdale firm, S&A Builders Merchants, which was represented at the opening by company director Geoff Simpson.
The company built the new equine centre, dog barn, cattle shed and pig unit.
Later S&A will be involved in the construction of a new grain store and sheep shed at the college.
Mr Simpson said the contract was at the “bigger end” of projects that S&A has been involved with and is worth about £1.25million.
Coming from a company that is heavily involved with farmyard construction, Mr Simpson said: “It is nice to get involved in a project that is both tutor and agriculture.”
The new facilities are geared at making Houghall Campus a premier agricultural learning centre.
Princess Anne was given a tour of the new buildings by college principal Suzanne Duncan that included demonstrations by students before being introduced to those involved in the development work.
It was the second time Mr Simpson had met the Princess Royal, having previously met her when he was presented with an award at the Royal Highland Show for the famous Roundhouse cattle management system that was developed by S&A Builders Merchants.
He said: “It is a great honour to meet her. She always has a great interest in what you are doing, she is quite knowledgeable. We are very fortunate to have her.”