LARGE numbers gathered at the funeral of an innovative farmer and 'inspiration' to many in order to pay tribute.

Much-loved husband, father and grandfather Jim Hadwin, of Mansergh Hall, died of prostate cancer.

Known throughout Cumbria and beyond for his farm's high-quality meats, Mr Hadwin's hard work, loving nature and sense of humour were celebrated by well-wishers at St Mary's Parish Church in Kirkby Lonsdale.

Giving the eulogy at Mr Hadwin's funeral, close friend Tim Burnett said: "Jim looked life in the eye. Throughout the last two years, most of us were quite unaware of the ferocity of his illness until the last few weeks, when its effects and inevitable end became all too apparent.

"His love for his family was the great driving force of his life: a love which many of us have been moved to witness on so many occasions."

James 'Jim' Hadwin dedicated his life to Mansergh Hall as soon as he achieved his diploma in agriculture from Newton Rigg College in 1968.

He was chairman of Westmorland Young Farmers for two successive years, and his experiences here saw him travel the world, visiting the Munich Olympics in 1972, and a six week trip to Kenya in 1973.

He married his wife Wendy on Valentine's Day 1976, and they had four children, Amanda, Sam, James and Ben.

An innovative ideas man, Mr Hadwin came up with new ways to improve his farming techniques; he was one of the first in this area to keep Texels for fat lambs and to build a lambing shed.

He created the Mansergh Hall Lamb product, which made its way onto the menus of hotels and restaurants all over the country and led to his pioneering move to open a farm shop and cutting room in 1994.

The quality of his produce saw Mr Hadwin represent the “Food for Britain” campaign, and spend a fortnight demonstrating at Selfridges in London. This led to him and Wendy being invited to a reception at 10 Downing Street.

Foot and Mouth disease in 2001 put Mansergh Hall under severe strain, however Mr Hadwin's determination and resourcefulness came through again, as he developed the Mansergh Hall Farm Hog Roast.

Always known for the quality of what he offered, Mr Hadwin enjoyed a high profile at the area's auction markets, in particular at Bentham, where he regularly judged Christmas fat lamb shows.

Mr Hadwin's daughter, Amanda, said: "He was a wonderful father and a great role model. He was an inspiration to all of us; I would describe him as my foundation and my building block and my family would agree with that.

"We'd like to thank everybody for their support and kind words that we have received. It has been overwhelming"

Mr Hadwin is survived by his wife Wendy, children and grandchildren.