My parents chose the Yorkshire Pennines – a tough place to pursue their dream of having their own farm. Dad, a man of many actions but few words, was as relentless as the farming seasons, and through long hours and lots of mud, sweat and tears, gradually carved out a living, slowly making real the vision that they shared.

My Father and Other Animals tells the story of how this driven man, blessed with a unique understanding of his animals, brought his farming dream to life and raised his family, blessing them with his common sense and restless work ethic.

It is about the harsh realities of life and death, ever present on a farm, about getting-on, learning and failing but not giving up. It is about sacrifice, scrimping and saving, in the certainty of better days to come.

Most of all it is about my Mum and Dad, who – given the choice – would have lived their lives no other way.