A newly-elected MP has joined a fellowship scheme which sees him pledge to champion Welsh food and farming in Parliament and across the constituency.

Steve Witherden MP for Montgomeryshire and Glyndŵr has enrolled in the first-ever Food and Farming Fellowship Scheme by the National Farmers' Union (NFU) and NFU Cymru.

This initiative, launched in partnership with various organisations such as ABP UK and Arla Foods, aims to give MPs deep insights into the British food and farming sectors.

Mr Witherden's 12-month fellowship will take him through several farming sectors, culminating in a graduation dinner at Westminster.

Mr Witherden will be awarded a commemorative pin badge recognising his commitment to understanding British food and farming.

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Mr Witherden said: "As a newly elected MP, I’m extremely proud to sign up to the NFU’s Fellowship Scheme and demonstrate my full support to our incredible farmers and growers across Montgomeryshire and Glyndŵr who do a fantastic and valuable job in providing us with high-quality food alongside caring for our much-loved countryside.

"Farming is not only a vital part of the nation’s social fabric, but also a valuable contributor to our economy with the Welsh food and drink sector bringing an annual turnover of £9.3 billion.

“I’m really looking forward to getting stuck in and learning and understanding much more about some of the big issues impacting the British food and farming sectors, so I am able to speak up on behalf of the industry and highlight the critical role of food security in delivering national security and the investment and growth required for the future of farming.”

NFU Cymru political adviser Huw Thomas said: "Through the NFU’s Food and Farming Fellowship Scheme, together with our partners, we will provide the MPs with the tools, knowledge and understanding they need to be able to champion this fantastic industry in their own constituencies and in Westminster.

"They will then be able to campaign with us for the policies needed that allow our farmers and growers to continue producing safe, sustainable and affordable homegrown food alongside caring for the great British countryside."