YOUNG FARMERS' CONVENTION UNDER FIRE!

Thousands of young farmers from across the South West will flock to Weymouth for their annual convention, but some locals are not happy with the prospect.

The event, which hasn't been held for four years, sees the youthful agrarians descend on the seaside town for a weekend of competitive events and fun. However, there have been allegations of anti-social behaviour and excessive drinking in the past, leading some to oppose the convention's return.

But Nick Sansom, the president for the South West Area of Young Farmers, has hit back at these criticisms. Speaking to our reporter, he dismissed the allegations as "scaremongering" and "unsubstantiated".

"We've worked with the police and council to ensure that everyone is happy with the measures we've put in place," he said. "We've also held a behaviour meeting to ensure that everyone knows to be respectful to people and their property. We want to make sure that we can use these facilities again in the future, so it's important that we behave ourselves."

The event will take place at various venues across town, including hotels and the Pavilion. Nick says that the weekend is predominantly about the competitions, but admits that there will be two parties contained within the Pavilion.

"It's a chance for these guys to let their hair down," he said. "For many of them, it's their one and only holiday of the year. They work in a remote industry, so this is a chance for them to come together and have some fun."

The convention runs from today until Sunday. Will the young farmers behave themselves? Only time will tell...