SOUTH West NFU director Anthony Gibson and the Bishop of Exeter will be among the speakers at a special day in Hatherleigh on Saturday, intended to lift the spirits of those affected by the foot and mouth crisis.

Organised by local members of the Farm Crisis Network, the day is being billed as a time for thanksgiving, reflection, hope and fun!

Kicking off with a street party at 2.30pm and fancy dress competition, the day will also include a duck race and a bring and share picnic followed by a service in the Market Hall at 6.30pm.

The event is intended for farmers' families and others who have been affected in some way by the foot and mouth crisis, but everyone is welcome.

One of the organisers The Reverend John Peak, who has mailed 650 farmers about the event, said he hoped as many people as possible would come along.

'This is not a celebration of the end of foot and mouth but a chance for people to get together and return to some kind of normality,' he said.

'There has been so much in the media about who is to blame and compensation, which are obviously important issues, but we need to address the emotional side. Social events like this are essential because just at the moment, many people are holding on to their sanity by the skin of their teeth.'

The afternoon will be a family party where hot and cold drinks will be provided and there will be opportunities for the whole family to enjoy street theatre and other entertainment.

The organisers have been fortunate to obtain the services of three top-class speakers for the evening event, each of whom has been heavily involved in the foot and mouth crisis.

Regional director of the NFU Anthony Gibson, Reverend Dr Gordon Gatward, administrator of the ARC/Addington Farmers' Relief Fund and the Right Reverend Michael Langrish, Bishop of Exeter, who has become known as the 'farmers' bishop', will all be there.

Mr Peak said the Farm Crisis Network's database of farmers and related businesses was far from exhaustive and he hoped those people could tell their neighbours and friends about the day.

'It will be hugely more enjoyable if large numbers attend,' he said.

'I hope in some small way this day will contribute to our recovery from this terrible epidemic.'