CLIFFORD Kendal, managing director and company secretary of Kendal Auction Mart, has stepped down from his post after almost 43 years with the company.

A press release issued by the company says Mr Kendal has decided to "spend some quality time with his family and pursue other interests in the community."

The move follows a partnership deal struck between Kendal Auction Mart and Carlisle-based auction firm Harrison and Hetherington in February of this year.

But company chairman John Ladell was keen to quash rumours that that the change had anything to do with Mr Kendal's departure.

Mr Ladell said: "He simply wished to concentrate more on other aspects of his life.

He will work for us as a consultant looking at specific projects as and when they come up."

He said Mr Kendal, who started work at the mart at the age of 16, had guided the company through the last few difficult and stressful years in the industry, including foot-and-mouth, and deserved to "take a back seat."

A statement from Mr Kendal said: "These are very challenging times for the agricultural industry.

We are currently finalising the sale of our property in Preston and have plans to relocate from Kendal town centre in the future.

I am looking forward to assisting the company for its future strategies, while leaving me more time to spend with my wife and family."

l Meanwhile, trading is set continue at the Penrith Farmers and Kidd's auction mart site.

A group of Eden Valley farmers, angered by the decision to close the mart, following the sale of PF&K' livestock auctioneering business to Harrison and Hetherington, are trying to raise money to operate the mart business themselves.

Farmers Action Group members have been given until October to finalise their bid to PF&K who have agreed to keep the mart trading and will work along side FAG farmers until their bid is either accepted or rejected.