FARMER Robin Milton has been appointed as a new Secretary of State Member of Exmoor National Park Authority for a four-year term from April 1.  

The Secretary of State members are the 'national voice' on the authorities.

They have strategic responsibility for conservation, recreation, planning, access and resources in the national parks.

Mr Milton graduated from Wye College, University of London, with a BSc in Agriculture.

 He is chairman of the Exmoor Hill Farming Group, the NFU's South West Uplands Representative and chairman of the Withypool Commoners Association.

He farms at West Anstey and Withypool in partnership with his brother and father.

"I've been in farming for many years now and we have a truly mixed farm of beef, sheep and arable," said Mr Milton.

"I was pleased to hear that I had been appointed as a Secretary of State Member and am looking forward to contributing to the work of the Authority in the future."

Pictured on the right welcoming Mr Milton to the authority, chairman John Dyke said: "In addition to providing a voice for the national interest, Robin will be able to bring a wide-ranging understanding of the issues affecting Exmoor to his role which I am sure will prove invaluable to the Authority."

There are 22 members of the National Park Authority Committee comprising four people from local parishes, six from the two county councils, six from district councils and six Secretary of State appointed members.