DAIRY farmers Patricia and Michael Partington really are the cream of the crop.

The mother and son partnership won first and second place in two categories at the Great Yorkshire Show with their pasteurised and untreated milk.

They beat off dozens of other competitors, including dairy giants Express and Arla Foods, who supply milk to UK supermarkets.

The Partington family have been producing milk for the last 50 years at their home, Dearden's farm at Four Lane Ends, Over Hulton.

The milk is sold from a farn shop and in local newsagents, Last year they produced more than 110,000 litres from 125 milking cows.

Mrs Partington's other son Mark, who runs Home Farm at Hulton Park, also won a prize for the best group of three cows.

She said: "We're very proud --especially since it was at such a big show. It is the first time we have entered this contest."

Mrs Partington says the secret of their success is in the type of cattle they keep. She said: "We use Ayrshire cows, which are red and white instead of black and white.

"The milk from this cattle is very sweet and tastes different to your average milk. It isn't sold in supermarkets and is quite rare."

Last year, Michael took one of his milking cows on an educational tour of Bolton schools to promote milk among youngsters.

The family have exhibited their cattle at this week's Royal Lancashire Show.