A PRIZE-winning tenant farmer is to feature on BBC's Countryfile this weekend, highlighting the council's decision to sell off its smallholdings estate.

Stephen Clayton has farmed at Rowlestone, near Pontrilas, since 2003, and was one of those left 'devastated' when Herefordshire Council's cabinet agreed to sell off its estate last December.

Mr Clayton is now set to talk about the plight of tenants affected by that decision on an episode of Countryfile being aired this Sunday.

Mr Clayton, who lives with his wife Joyce, said: "When they made the decision last December, there were about 13 tenants actually affected and who went to the meeting.

"We were obviously gutted about it but the leader stood up and said the decision had been made but no tenant would be homeless and would not lose their livelihoods, it would just be a change of landlord.

"We thought they hadn't been bad landlords but perhaps the next one would be better and have more money to invest. We thought perhaps that wouldn't be so bad.

"But within about six weeks we had notices to quit, saying we had to go. We understand the council needs money for other things but once these assets are sold, that will be the end."

Mr Clayton said tenant farmers were initially given until February to leave but have been given an extension until September 30.

It is unknown whether the farmers will be able to stay at their smallholdings if a buyer for the estate comes forward.

Mr Clayton farms sheep and cows on his farm and said 20 years of work would be lost if he is forced to leave.

He has been interviewed by BBC Hereford and Worcester which led to appearing on BBC Midlands Today and is set to appear on Countryfile this Sunday.

Camera crews were at the farm for around 3.5 hours and Tom Heap was the presenter who interviewed Mr Clayton.

Watch his story be featured on Countryfile on BBC One at 6.20pm this Sunday.