Over the last five years the service has been very popular amongst the church and farming communities and over 200 people regularly attend.

The service is embraced by the churches of all denominations with contributions from them all.

This year the service offering will be going towards establishing a "Welfare Fund" for those farming families in special need.

Bishop Humphrey said today: "The service celebrates a community which plays an important role in the life of our Diocese. I am looking forward to it very much indeed."

Graham Hinds (Agricultural Chaplain) said today: "In the spring of 2004 the Peak Methodist circuit hosted a two day visit from the chair of the Sheffield district. This included a tour of the livestock market and an opportunity for me to discuss the work that I carry out on behalf of the churches across the area. From this, the Methodist church's desire to better serve the farming community was reinforced, and ongoing discussions were held.

"Just prior to this visit, I had read an article in the Farmer's Guardian that was encouraging farmers to consider all the positive things that was happening in farming and to give themselves a pat on the back for their own unique contribution to the industry they serve. It started me thinking about ways of championing and celebrating farming in the Derbyshire Dales & Peak District.

"From these two incidences and much prayer, willingness and hard work, the Celebration of Farming service was born."