RICHARD Barron has gone down in the annals of the long history of this newspaper - not that he will celebrate that.

On May 25 last year Mr Barron was pictured on our front page - the only person ever to wipe off our famous front page adverts apart from the Queen, whose portrait appeared on page one to mark her Silver Jubilee. He was pictured standing among the carcasses of his herd of dairy cattle, culled as foot and mouth struck the Dales.

The picture, along with Mr Barron's plea to tell the world what was happening in the Dales, had a huge impact. Copies found their way around the world and into Downing Street and Buckingham Palace.

It was a story of gloom and near despair and some less honest quarters criticised us for reporting the truth and not covering up the news.

But this is a story that has a happy ending. And we're overjoyed to report it today.

We returned to Mr Barron's farm near Hellifield this week as he restocked and proudly showed off the two calves born within hours of arrival. They are not just the family's symbol of hope but perhaps the district's as well.

Last year was a desperate time for this area. Foot and mouth damaged farmer's lives and wrecked hopes and dreams of businessmen. But out of adversity can come renewal.

Across the district communities which cancelled long-established village galas and shows are looking forward again to restoring such events. Tourists are flocking back as almost all paths reopen. Shops and businesses have come through an ordeal but are optimistic of better things ahead.

The district has shown it is resilient, with a strong sense of community and a determination to succeed. The Barron family - and their new arrivals Charlie and Shelley - present the image of Dales spirit at its best.