TRIBUTES have been paid to a prominent Cumbrian farmer who died at the age of 37.

Rachel Lumley died suddenly at the Cumberland Infirmary on Monday, July 13.

She lived in Ladys Wood House, Penrith, having farmed in both Hethersgill at Hewstown Farm, and Newbiggin Farm in Blanchland, Northumberland.

Graduating from Harper Adams in 2006 with her degree in BSc (Hons) Agriculture with Land Farm Management, Rachel went on to have an impactful career in the agricultural sector.

Rachel had been a member of Northumberland Young Farmers for almost a decade.Tributes were posted on Facebook and Twitter with Northumberland Young Farmers group saying: "It is with great sadness we hear of the loss of former Whitley Chapel member Rachel Lumley.

"Rachel's membership of young farmers spanned nearly ten years, during which she travelled on the YFC Discovery programme, held the role of club secretary and competed in many competitions.

" Rachel's warm and bubbly personality and great sense of humour has left us with so many memories and her passion and enthusiasm for British agriculture will be greatly missed in farming circles and by all those who had the pleasure of knowing her. Our heartfelt condolences go to Rachel's family and friends at this sad time."

Rachel gained national attention when she founded the Love Lamb Week campaign in 2015, and was one of the Northumberland County Show's chief shearing stewards. Also in 2015, she was appointed secretary of the English Shearing Circuit.

Rachel was laid to rest at Ladys Wood House in Penrith this week.