North East farming expert Bruce Jobson has died on a trip to Canada

Tributes have been paid to North East farming champion and former Northern Echo contributor Bruce Jobson following his death on a trip to Canada.

The fourth-generation dairy farmer and well-known agricultural writer and broadcaster, from Morpeth, Northumberland, died in a hospital in Quebec on Thursday (November 20) night.

He had been visiting friends while attending the 103rd Canadian Royal Winter Fair, in Toronto.

The news of his death was conveyed in a family post on Facebook, from his wife Helen and sons Ryan and Shaun.

It stated: “It is with great sadness that the Jobson family of Helen, Ryan and Shaun share the news that our beloved husband, father and grandfather Bruce Jobson, has passed away.

“He was surrounded with love.

“Bruce passed away on the same day as his beloved father Will Jobson’s birthday – something that gives us all some comfort.

“The entire Jobson family wish to thank all those who have provided support and have shown their love and appreciation for Bruce.

“Bruce was 'formidable' – someone of many talents, to describe him would require an article only he could write.

“He was a ‘man of many seasons’ who gave his time to anyone.

“Bruce was very well known throughout the world for his contributions to agriculture - journalism, political commentary and to sport, especially football, with Trident Soccer.

“His contributions to the dairy cattle breeding industry as he formed a ‘dynamic duo’, with Drew Sloan OBE to become leading figures in dairy breeding.”

Mr Jobson, an agriculture business graduate and award-winning journalist, who contributed to The Northern Echo and sister publications The Northern Farmer and Hexham Courant, was said to have enjoyed his appearances on GB News to discuss and debate the events of the day.