There are many in Tenbury Wells who won’t know me by my real name Duane, but by my affectionate nickname ‘Lard’.

Full statement

I have had a lifelong affinity to the Teme Valley and from the very first moment of looking for a home here some 14 years ago I fell in love with Tenbury Wells as did my wife Dawn.

Having worked in Law Enforcement, our aim was to settle here and join the rural life where we live. Immediately we became part of a fabulous community, enjoying the wonderful countryside, agriculture and farming, soon starting our own small holding rearing livestock, becoming involved and supporting groups like the Tenbury Wells Young Farmers Club.

I am very familiar through our own rural association and close farming friends, how increasingly difficult farming has become in recent years with the ever-growing costs of feed, bedding, fertiliser, energy, coupled with rising taxation and the outrageous Inheritance Tax.