On Tuesday I attended the funeral of Michael Lee at St Swithun’s Church in Sandford. A friend for nearly two decades, Michael was a truly special person, Devonian to his core, and one of our constituency’s most cherished farmers, writes MP Mel Stride.

His sad passing at 90 years of age was a big moment for the many of us who loved Michael and got to know him well.

Michael took community seriously and served as a much-admired parish, district and county councillor.

For many years he played an important role within the National Farmers’ Union, helping to preserve and protect farming and all that it brings to our rural constituency and our country.

He was a source of wise counsel to me over many years and I will miss him dearly.