Steve Alford and his father Crispin from Elvan Farm in Okehampton, Dartmoor, will be starring in the second episode of More 4’s ‘Devon and Cornwall’ series, broadcast tonight.

The series celebrates the lives and history of people living and working in the rural landscapes of the two counties.

The Alfords have been on their farm for 43 years, ever since they got is as a council farm back in 1976. Steve will be the sixth generation of his family on his mum’s side to tend to the Dartmoor ponies. The family also farm cattle and sheep. They still work their land in the traditional way for the area on horseback.

Somerset County Gazette:

The Alfords still work their land in the traditional way on horseback

They are shown in the episode testing their Galloway herd for Bovine TB.

Steve said: “We just got on with what we were doing. They followed us doing all sorts of bits and pieces. It was fun to have the crew around.

“Reality in the countryside is that we as farmers are fighting TB and it is a problem. It’s part of country life and it will be good for people to be educated about this.

“We try to have a positive outlook but sometimes it is hard work”.

The Alfords are also featured in Episode four of the series on April 22. 'Devon and Cornwall' is on tonight at 9pm on More 4. Find out more