ISSUES facing the area's hill farmers will be the focus of a special meeting next month when local people are invited to join a debate about the future of farming.

Residents are being given another opportunity to hear about new national proposals, following a recent, successful meeting in Troutbeck which featured topical issues within the farming industry.

Nancy Tweddell, of Cumbria Farm Link, will be one of the guest speakers alongside Alan Fishwick of the Lake District National Park Authority, and Nick Hill, of The National Trust.

Suggestions about ensuring the viability of farms and their local communities will also be welcome at the meeting at 7.30pm, February 5, at Langdale Village Hall.