More needs to be done to tackle the number of suicides in the farming community, Brecon and Radnorshire's MP has urged.

Chris Davies said there had recently been a "small number of suicides" in his rural Welsh constituency that had a "massive effect on the community".

Leading an adjournment debate in the Commons, he said it can be a "lonely occupation" where "isolated working is the norm", and research from the National Farmers' Union showed it has one of the highest rates of suicide among any occupation.

Conservative MP, Mr Davies said 81 per cent of farmers under the age of 40 "believe mental health is the biggest hidden problem facing farmers today".

"Every statistic is not just a number, it's a human being with a devastating effect on family, a community and an industry," he added.

Labour's Chris Elmore (Ogmore) agreed more needed to be done to raise awareness of the issues facing farmers, who are expected to be "up at dawn to go to bed when the sun goes down" every day of the year.

He said there is a "real need to improve that understanding of the very active and live pressures facing the industry".

Mr Davies agreed, saying the strains of modern farming mean farmers often have to "spend time filling in forms and completing administration" instead of the other things they need to do.

And he finished by urging the minister responding, Robert Goodwill, himself a farmer, to take on board his comments, adding: "If by raising this here in the Palace of Westminster in this House, that farmers' calls are being listened to and actions are being taken.

"Then if we manage to stop just one farmer from taking their own life, then our time here will be well spent."

Environment minister Mr Goodwill said: "My department takes the issues of farmers' and agriculture workers' well-being very seriously.

"I am aware that rates of suicide are higher across the agricultural sector than they are in the general population.

"I know that people working in agricultural industries often have a solitary lifestyle. It's hard work and their businesses are subject to unpredictable factors, such as the weather.

"As we design our future agricultural policy, we're looking at the impact of new policies on well-being and we're also working with partners to foster personal and business resilience.

"Together with other parts of Government, such as the Department of Health and Social Care, I am committed to finding and implementing the best solutions which can reverse this worrying trend and provide help where and when it is most needed to save lives."

Farmers in crisis can contact Powys Samaritans free on: 116 123 or on: 01597 823000 (local charges apply).