The future of agricultural and rural livelihoods is the subject of a Melplash Agricultural Society online seminar tomorrow which will be 'attended' by Environment Secretary George Eustice.

Society President Nigel Jones said: “After two years without a full calendar or a show we are going to make the society’s 175th anniversary year the best yet. It is going to be the year when everyone remembers the valuable role that the society plays in championing rural life and the local economy.

"As we start preparations for this year’s show, we are honoured to be joined on our next webinar by the Rt Hon George Eustice MP, the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs together with West Dorset MP, Chris Loder. They will be discussing with a panel of members a number of topics relating to the future of agriculture and other rural challenges. This is particularly fitting as we celebrate our milestone anniversary as a community organisation supporting rural activities in West Dorset."

The event is on Wednesday, April 20 from 6.30pm-8pm.

To attend the free webinar visit www.melplashshow.co.uk/events to register

* Melplash Show is returning this year after a two-year break and will be held on Thursday, August 25. Lots of exciting events are in the pipeline to mark the society’s 175th anniversary year and details will be revealed in the coming months.