IN the build up to Thursday's general election, Hexham’s Conservative candidate, Guy Opperman, met with local farmers to answer their questions.

Mr Opperman headed to Hexham Auction Mart where he was hosted by the mart’s managing director Robert Addison.

“Hexham Mart is a vital hub of our Tyne Valley community,” said Mr Opperman. “It not only offers a crucial platform for our rural economy, but it is a place of mutual support and friendship.

“This visit also gave me a chance to reassure our farming community about what will happen when we get Brexit done – that under a Conservative Government the current farming subsidy levels will be guaranteed until 2025 and that the public sector will be encouraged to support our farmers by buying British.”

Mr Addison said that the visit was very beneficial for farmers, and said it was important that those in the agricultural industry had their views and voices heard.

“Guy took the time to speak to farmers individually, and was knowledgeable about farming and the mart, which is important because it helps for him to relate to his voters and understand our concerns and issues better,” said Mr Addison.

“It wasn’t a structured visit. He called me up and asked if he could come along for the day to meet with the farmers to hear about their concerns.

“He had a coffee and a chat with lots of people individually about various issues, which I’m sure Brexit played a part of.

“It was a very beneficial experience.”