A NEW chaplain has been appointed by the Yorkshire Agricultural Society after the previous incumbent stepped down.

The Revd Canon Leslie Morley has been involved with many aspects of rural life, including the Farm Crisis Network and the Yorkshire Rural Support Network, and was the first choice for the position.

For the last decade Canon Morley, from Low Pittington in County Durham, has also been the Rural Officer for the Diocese of Ripon and Leeds, advising the Bishops and the Diocese on matters of concern to the farming and rural communities.

Canon Morley said: "I was delighted to be asked to take on the role and had no hesitation in saying yes.

"I'm very much looking forward to the Great Yorkshire Show, and I extend a warm welcome to Morning Prayers, each day at the President's Lawn Band Stand at 7.30am."

Canon Morley’s predecessor, the Rev Toddy Hoare, has retired to Oxfordshire after 25 years in the position.