A DEVON farming holiday co-operative has welcomed the news that Anthony Gibson, South West regional director of the NFU, is to become a patron of the organisation.
A special lunch in Mr Gibson's honour was held recently by Devon Farms Accommodation to celebrate the new appointment.
Mr Gibson told members he had always admired the drive and energy of the co-operative and was delighted to act as patron for such a dynamic organisation.
Devon Farms Accommodation asked Mr Gibson to become a patron as a sign of the gratitude members felt for his media role during the foot and mouth crisis.
Spokesman Robin Head said: 'For many farmers' wives, to the nightmare of those months was added the extra worry of how their menfolk were coping with each day's rumours and scares, so the factual, unambiguous reports given daily by Anthony on lunchtime television became a lifeline for them and their families.'
West Devon members of the Farms Accommodation co-operative include Beera Farm at Milton Abbot, Hele Farm, Rubbytown Farm and Colcharton Farm at Gulworthy, Eggworthy Farm at Sampford Spiney, Peek Hill Farm at Dousland, Callisham Farm at Meavy, Little Bidlake Barns, Week Farm and Knole Farm at Bridestowe, and The Cider House, Milford Farm at Lifton.