Farm industry stalwarts who have racked up more than 800 years of combined service were honoured during a special ceremony at the Royal Norfolk Show.

The Royal Norfolk Agricultural Association (RNAA) presented Long Service Awards to 15 loyal farm workers, tractor drivers, gamekeepers and engineers.

All had careers of more than 40 years, including two with 52 years' service each, while four awards went to the same business at Scottow Farms.

The award winners were: Kevin Cooper, workshop engineer at Harrowden Turf, 40 years; Mark Brooks, agricultural worker at Charles Wharton and Partners, 42 years; Shaun Manser, head green keeper for Glen Lodge Bawburgh, 43 years; David Radley, gamekeeper at Barningham Estate, 43 years; Garry Fiske, team leader at Stratton Streles Estate, 46 years; Donald Mickleborough, head tractor driver at Hardingham Farms, 46 years; Stephen Puncher, farm fitter and tractor driver at FJ Cabon and partners, 48 years; Peter Hooks, head forester at Lexham Hall, 52 years; Patrick Gwilliam, senior operator at LF Papworth, 52 years; Christopher Parker, seeds director at Adams and Howling, 50 years; David Shipp, farm manager at Panworth Hall, 50 years; Michael Dunn, gamekeeper at Scottow Farms, 40 years; Trevor Andrews, tractor driver at Scottow Farms, 51 years; Owen Whiting, cowman at Scottow Farms, 40 years; Richard Andrews, tractor driver at Scottow Farms, 41 years.

Two RNAA fellowships were also awarded for "distinguished contributions to the Royal Norfolk Show", to Fred Milk and Michael Garrod of the Norfolk Farm Machinery Club.

And the final presentation was the 2023 Timothy Colman Prize for an outstanding contribution to promoting Norfolk food, farming and the countryside.

It was won by Neatishead farmer Louis Baugh, who was honoured for his leading role in Norfolk and Broadland farming and his "tireless" work to educate and inspire young people. 

After presenting the Long Service Awards, show president John Cushing said: "It is an outstanding achievement for all sorts of reasons.

"It is the best CV you can have to be in a job for 40 or 50 years, and it doesn't seem to happen very often these days.

"They have done so well, and they deserve all the congratulations we can give them."