A YOUNG farmer has created a powerful symbol to raise awareness and funds to fight breast cancer.

Angus Hodgson, 22, of Caldbeck, created a giant breast cancer ribbon in his field using hay bales covered in distinctive pink wrap.

Sitting in a prominent position, it is clearly visible as you drive into Caldbeck from the Carlisle direction.

As a result it has attracted a lot of attention - and raised more than £650 for Breast Cancer Care.

Angus, of Midtown Farm, said different-coloured bale wraps are now quite widely available to farmers, with a cut of the proceeds going to different charities.

His grandmother, Anne Hannam, successfully fought breast cancer after being diagnosed about 30 years ago.

He therefore chose the pink wrap, to support a charity that is close to his heart.

Angus then decided to do more than just stack the bales.

“I was just piling them into a heap in the field when I decided to do something a bit different and make the breast cancer ribbon symbol.

“It just seemed like a good thing to do,” he said.

Angus then posted the picture on social media, and turned it into an online fundraising initiative. He has been amazed at the response.

“I chose breast cancer because of my gran. She had it 30 years ago but she’s still here. It affects so many people I wanted to do something to support the cause,” he said.

“I am quite overwhelmed by all the comments and donations. Someone donated £50. It’s been getting a lot of love on Facebook and a lot of people in the village have mentioned that they’ve seen it on the way in.

“Where the field is, you see it when you’re coming down the hill into the village. It’s quite hard to miss it.

“To raise that much money from just one photograph is quite amazing.

“Farmers can get a bad press but we are good people. We want to help.”

Angus said his gran is very supportive of the hay bale fundraising campaign.

They both hope that, as well as raising hundreds of pounds for Breast Cancer Care, it will also raise awareness and ultimately help to save lives.

The fundraiser is still up and running. You can contribute by making a donation through his Facebook page.