Farmer Carl Keeble is taking part in a campaign run by a national magazine in the hope of finding a bride.

This farmer wants a wife. Picture: SEANA HUGHES (20280-a)

He may even appear on television if Channel 4 decides to make a series about the project.

Last year the television station followed the progress of farmers as they embarked on romances with women who made contact after they were featured in Country Living magazine.

Mr Keeble, 29, who lives in Maldon and works at Friday Wood Farm in Colchester as well as on his own small-holding, said he was excited to be taking part.

"I saw the series and I thought, I'll have a go at that," he said.

Months passed by after he returned his application to Country Living. "But then all of a sudden one day I got a phone call and it was them saying you're one of the ones to be chosen," he said.

Mr Keeble is looking forward to a barn dance in London in May at which the farmers will meet girls interested in marrying one of them.

"I had a number of mates pull my leg, but they've all said they wish me all the best now," he said.

Published Monday, March 18, 2002