A LEADING cleric on rural issues will speak at Pickering Parish Church this weekend.

The Right Reverend James Bell, Bishop of Knaresborough and chairman of the Rural Affairs Group of the Church England, will be attending a meeting organised by MP Anne McIntosh, in the church, at 11am, on Saturday.

The meeting will be hosted by Pickering Parish Church’s, Father Antony Pritchett.

Miss McIntosh said: “I am delighted the bishop is attending this meeting because the church plays a huge part in the life of rural areas.

“I think it is important that this role is recognised and celebrated, particularly given my role as chairwoman of the Government’s Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Select Committee.”