Members of a local agricultural society sat down for dinner with the minister for farming whilst on a visit to Parliament.

Melplash Agricultural Society members were invited to the Houses of Parliament by West Dorset MP, Chris Loder, to meet with the Minister for Farming, Fisheries and Food, The Rt Hon. Mark Spencer MP over dinner.

The Melplash Agricultural Society, a charity, supports and promotes local farming and food producers. Its showcase, the Melplash Agricultural Show, takes place in West Bay in August.

Melplash Agricultural Society President Michael Fooks said: “It was a privilege to take part in this visit to Westminster.

“I’d particularly like to thank our MP, Chris Loder for inviting members of the Society to join him there. He gave us all a wonderful insight into the background and workings of both the House of Commons and the Lords.

“We also had a very interesting meeting over dinner with the Minister for Farming, Fisheries and Foods, The Rt Hon. Mark Spencer.

“It was good to hear first-hand from him on how the Government is planning to continue to champion British produce and support us local farmers.

“It is clear that there is much to do, and that we farmers must work together if we wish to influence the future direction.”