New Forest Show chief executive Richard Cuzens has been made chairman of the Association of Show and Agricultural Organisations, which represents the majority of rural shows around the UK.
He was elected unanimously by fellow show organisers at the annual conference in Belfast. His opening speech was made at the dinner in Stormont Castle.
Mr Cuzens, who lives in west Dorset, was secretary of the Dorchester Show, now the Dorset County Show.
For the last eight years he has run the three-day New Forest & Hampshire County Show at New Park, Brockenhurst which is rated in the top 10 shows across UK.
“It is a huge honour to follow in the footprints of famous shows such as Norfolk, Suffolk and Cornwall,” he said.
Mr Cuzens is now planning the 90th anniversary celebrations at next year’s New Forest Show on July 27, 28 and 29.
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