Published at 14:56, Tuesday, 05 February 2013

THE Archbishop of York praised the resilience of Cumbrian farmers during a recent visit.

WITH THE FLOCK The Most Reverend Dr John Sentamu, Archbishop of York, and farmer Brian Armstrong, front, during the archbishop’s recent trip to Cumbria

Dr John Sentamu was in Cumbria for two days at the end of last month and met with some of the region’s farmers during his trip.

He heard about the struggles faced by those in the industry and was told about the ways farmers have fought through adversity.

He praised that spirit and said he had respect for the way they go about their work.

He said: “I would say that farmers are facing a difficult time but the word that comes out again and again from everyone I speak to here is resilience.

“I want the country to hear about this resilience. I will also take away with me the fact that farmers should be respected for keeping the countryside the way it is.”

Dr Sentamu spoke with some of those hit by the foot and mouth crisis in 2001 and how people came together to cope during a particularly difficult time.

A local Farm Crisis Network is now in place and the auction mart chaplains also provide help.

The archbishop, who is one of the highest-ranking clerics in the Church of England, was in Cumbria on January 23 and 24 to see the work carried out in the county.

His visit also included outings to see some of the county’s schools, including Cartmel Priory, and a tour of the University of Cumbria’s Fusehill campus.

Published by http://www.nwemail.co.uk