A NATIONAL honour has been given to Bedfordshire farmer Peter Kendall. He is the new president of the National Farmers Union. Mr Kendall, 45, (pictured above) was elected by council delegates on Tuesday following the NFU s annual conference in Birmingham.

A NATIONAL honour has been given to Bedfordshire farmer Peter Kendall.

He is the new president of the National Farmers Union.

Mr Kendall, 45, (pictured above) was elected by council delegates on Tuesday following the NFU's annual conference in Birmingham. He was deputy president for the last two years.

He said: "Farming is at a pivotal stage and a strong and clear leadership, representing all sections of a united industry, is vital. I am looking forward to the challenges ahead."

Mr Kendall farms 620 hectares of combinable crops at Eyeworth near Biggleswade in partnership with his brother Richard.

The farm has changed significantly in recent years, moving from a traditional mixed farm, involving both sheep and vegetables, to a specialist arable unit.

Mr Kendall joined the NFU council and cereals committee in 1999, becoming committee vice-chairman in 2002 and chairman in 2003. He was elected to the NFU board in 2003.

He is the first East Anglian farmer to serve as NFU president in 20 years.