Calling time on young farmers?

There were reports of heavy drinking at the May conference

Young farmers have been defending themselves after claims that their behaviour at their recent Devon conference intimidated holidaymakers.

About 3,500 members of the National Federation of Young Farmers' Clubs (NFYFC) came to Torquay in the first weekend in May for the group's annual meeting.

But some hoteliers in the resort are considering banning delegates from their hotels in future.

They say that some of their behaviour scared other people on holiday in the resort.

I think we have to look at it generally and say that young people do enjoy themselves when they go out

Mark Goodman, Devon Federation of Young Farmers

"Don't get me wrong I am not stopping other people taking them," said Peter Oliver from the Glenwood Hotel in Torquay.

"But when they come in the numbers that the young farmers do, then that is when it has a very big effect on the town.

"They say they want Torbay to be upmarket, if this is upmarket then maybe I am in the wrong trade."

'Into perspective'

The NFYFC has held its annual meeting in the resort for a number of years and some hoteliers estimate it brings about £1.5m to the town.

One hotel alone is reported to have taken many thousands of pounds at its bar over this year's conference weekend.

And Mark Goodman, from the Devon Federation of Young Farmers said they have always had good relations with the resort's hotel owners.

"I think we have to get it into perspective," said Mr Goodman.

"This is one individual in the main, who is focusing the attention of the media on something that happened six weeks ago.

"We've heard that a lot of hoteliers have got no problem at all.

"I think we have to look at it generally and say that young people do enjoy themselves when they go out."