A sponsored walk through some of the loveliest scenery in the Yorkshire Dales has raised £10,000 to a charity set up to help hard-hit hill farmers.

The Tenant Farmers Association’s sponsored walk and charity auction took place in Buckden, Upper Wharfedale on Saturday 22 May. There was sunshine and wonderful, clear blue skies. Walkers donned their shorts, sunhats and walking boots to highlight hill farming issues and raise funds for Farm Crisis Network (FCN).

TFA Chief Executive George Dunn said “The picture postcard village of Buckden and the valley of Wharfedale sparkled in the sunshine and looked idyllic. The beauty of the valley was clear to see and it was very apparent why the local farmers, villagers and the many tourists who visit every year love it so much.

“However, the area, like many upland farming areas, can be harsh to live in and the community has only this year experienced and survived one of worst winters in a long time.

“It is important to highlight the value of upland farming, the stewardship of the families who live and work there and the significance of the support provided by FCN to the farming community. Hill farming communities are a national asset and agriculture is crucial to the success of upland areas.

“FCN relies completely on the generosity of others to allow it to provide vital services to the farming community and the TFA team is pleased to be working alongside the charity to raise funds,” said Mr Dunn.

Anyone wishing to contribute to the charity should go to http://www.justgiving.com/FCN-TFA-sponsoredwalk