JAMES Gray, a Hampshire Church Commissioner's tenant farmer, has been elected chairman of the Tenant Farmers Association (TFA).

He took over from North Yorkshire County Council tenant farmer Stephen Wyrill who stood down at the recent annual meeting after completing his three year term of office.

Mr Gray was honoured to be elected to the post for a period which would include some of the most momentous changes for the industry and country as the UK leaves the European Union.

He said: "The TFA has already had a major role in beginning to shape the post Brexit policy framework for agriculture and will continue to have an important role to ensure that the voice of the tenanted sector of agriculture is heard loud and clear at the negotiating table both at the UK level and within England and Wales."

Mr Gray paid tribute to Mr Wyrill, who farms near Catterick Village. "Stephen has served the Association with distinction, not only in his three years as national chairman but also in his past roles as national vice chairman, treasurer and regional chairman for the North-East.

"His passion and enthusiasm for the TFA and its members have been hallmarks of his leadership. Wherever he found himself he has gone out of his way to ensure that the thoughts, concerns, hopes, fears and aspirations of the TFA’s members have been heard by all those with influence over the tenanted sector of agriculture.

"He has covered many miles throughout his chairmanship and has never hesitated, when given the opportunity, from representing the TFA wherever and whenever required."