ELIGIBLE bachelor James Stephenson, 29, is an East Yorkshire farmer hoping to find Miss Right.

James is one of eight farmers from across Britain who are taking part in a new series of TV programme The Farmer Wants A Wife.

Film crews have already visited him at Arras Wold Farm, Market Weighton, and some of his socialising haunts in Driffield and Beverley.

James said: "My friends put my name forward for the show as a bit of a laugh, but now I seriously hope it will lead to me finding a wife.

"It was a shock and great surprise to get accepted for the series, and I have met some of the girls, who seem to be a nice bunch.

"I have had a few girlfriends over the years, but nothing materialised, so hopefully one of the girls from the programmes will catch my eye."

Affable James helps run his family's 650 acres of arable land on the edge of Market Weighton, and a haulage business.

He has a degree in agriculture from Newcastle University, has travelled the world and likes rugby, skiing, cinema, literature, pubs and being with his family.

James lives with his black Labrador, Jack, and his last romantic relationship ended more than a year ago.

He said: "Farmers often work in isolation, and it would be easy to just stay on the farm and vegetate.

"Friends do tend to try and fix me up with someone from time to time. I don't mind, because you never know."

Channel Five is rekindling the embers of the successful series The Farmer Wants A Wife, and the latest programmes will be screened later in the year.

It originated in a campaign run by Country Living magazine, responding to statistics about isolation, depression and suicides in the British farming community.