A group secretary who has worked tirelessly for Staffordshire farmers and growers has received a prestigious industry accolade.
Staffordshire NFU members awarded Lichfield, Rugeley and Tamworth group secretary Simon Spencer the Burton Trophy at their county annual open meeting.
The former Uttoxeter and Burton on Trent group secretary receive the award for his work on water quality, high speed rail (HS2) and for his overall support of county farmers.
The silver claret jug and tray is awarded annually in memory of RA Burton, ‘Dick’ Burton, who was an instrumental figure in Staffordshire farming and the National Farmers’ Union.
The award was presented at Staffordshire NFU annual general meeting on 9 December by county chairman Robert Lockhart, who farms at Drayton Bassett.
At the event, in the President’s Suite, at the county showground, Mr Spencer, gave his heartfelt thanks to Staffordshire farmers and said he was surprised to receive the trophy.
He said: “There are some really wonderful names on this award who have won it in the past, so to win it myself is a real surprise, thank you.
“I must say it was a real honour and privilege to have represented Uttoxeter members when I was their group secretary and I feel the same now I am at Lichfield - at both offices I have worked with and met some wonderful people.
“Thank you from me and all of my colleagues, this is also reward for all of the hard work they put in.”
NFU county chairman Robert Lockhart said: “Many issues continue within the branch which Simon continues to work on, including rural crime, fly tipping and issues around the River Mease.
“Simon was also involved with the Voluntary Initiative and progressed a successful project and farmer group looking at pesticide stewardship in the Blithfield catchment.
“This laid the foundation for the current catchment work which has been very successful.
“Simon joined the Lichfield, Rugeley and Tamworth group at a time when the impact of phase one of HS2 was becoming apparent within the branch area.
“In addition, the changes created by the announcement of phase 2a added additional impact on branch members.
“Simon has been incredibly supportive of members over HS2 and attended numerous meetings on the issue, he has experienced the stress many members have experienced from HS2 and is agents, contractors and subcontractors.
“He has a very caring nature, and has helped and supported members through the trauma created by HS2 in addition to the other commitments a group secretary has in one of the largest county groups.
“It gives me great pleasure to award him the Burton Trophy on behalf of Staffordshire farmers."