Two farmers from Hazel Grove were 'honoured' to visit a Downing Street reception earlier this month. 

Father and daughter duo Bill Mellor and Hannah run the 49-hectare Higher Farm, between High Lane and Hazel Grove. The farm keeps cattle and ewes, and sells all produce locally. 

Bill and Hannah were invited to Number 10 to talk with ministers about the challenges facing rural communities.

Bill described it as an 'excellent event'. "It was a great opportunity for me to discuss my work on BVD [an endemic disease in cattle] with the Minster for Farming [Mark Spencer MP]", he said. "I was reassured by his knowledge on the subject."

The local farmers were invited by Paul Athans, Conservative parliamentary candidate for Hazel Grove. 

Paul said: "As an army officer I place our national security as one of my priorities, and a key part of this is food security."

Left to right: Steve Barclay, secretary of state for Defra / Paul Athans, Conservative candidate for Hazel Grove / Hannah Mellor / Bill Mellor / Mark Spencer, minister for farming (Image - Paul Athans)

He added: "Bill and Hannah sell all their produce exclusively within Britain and almost entirely in our area. So, it was an absolute pleasure to be able to invite them to Downing Street to thank them for their contribution locally and also recognise Bill's work on BVD nationally."

As well as this Hazel Grove pair, the event featured farmers from across the country.

Steve Barclay, secretary of state for environment, food and rural affairs, said it was 'hugely enjoyable' to meet them all. 

"By coming together to discuss the opportunities and challenges facing our rural economy and fishing industry, we can ensure we do everything possible to support the sectors, bolstering this country's food security while also protecting and enhancing our treasured natural heritage for the benefit of generations to come."

Similarly, Mark Spencer - minister of state for food, farming and fisheries - said:

"Our farmers and fishing industry are crucial to keeping this country fed, so it was great to meet so many of those who work in both sectors."

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