FOR most men of the cloth, watching over their flock is an essential part of church life.

But rural rector, the Rev Richard Rowling likes nothing more than to tuck into his!

Mr Rowling, who is the Archbishop of York's advisor on rural issues, was in York herding a flock of sheep outside the Castle Museum to promote a special lamb and mutton dinner.

It will form part of the city's food and drink festival, which is backed by the Evening Press, and is designed to draw attention to regional quality produce and producers.

Mr Rowling is the son of a farmer and has spent several years in farming himself.

The Sheep Trust was set up in response to the devastating foot and mouth crisis and is working with the festival to run a series of events to promote regional produce.

The Sheep Dinner, to be held on Sunday, September 18, at 7.30pm in the Guildhall, will feature two courses of lamb and mutton dishes using Herdwick, Swaledale and Rough Fell sheep. The dishes will be matched with organic wines from Joseph Jove of Albet I Noya.

The Sheep Trust will also run a stall in the Festival Market in Parliament Street from September 19 to September 21.

Festival director Michael Hjort said: "Working with The Sheep Trust puts the festival in its rural, agricultural context," he said.

"Although we are an urban festival, The Sheep Trust keeps our roots firmly in the countryside."

The Sheep Dinner will illustrate the different tastes of three breeds.

"There really is a difference in taste," said Sam Jones, National Co-ordinator of The Sheep Trust.

"The farmers who breed these sheep need support. They can't compete with the supermarket sales of lowland breeds.

"We hope that if people like the Sheep Dinner, they will come and buy lamb from the festival market or be encouraged to ask their butcher for the breed by name."

For more information about the festival, contact organisers on 01904 466687, or log-on to the website at www.yorkfestivaloffoodanddrink.com

Updated: 10:43 Thursday, September 08, 2005