A pig farmer and stalwart supporter of the South Suffolk Show said he was "staggered" but "thrilled" after he was chosen as its president.
Peter Mortimer, 75, is based at Metfield in north Suffolk but has been attending the show - 33 miles away at Ampton point-to-point racecourse at Ingham, near Bury St Edmunds - since 1980. He competed for many years in its livestock competitions.
"It was totally unexpected. I got a phone call out of the blue asking if I would like to be president. It's a lovely little show and they work hard for the local community," he said.
"We were literally putting the tea on the table.
"I was staggered to be invited to tell you the truth, but I'm really looking forward to it now. The whole family is going to be behind me."
It took a while to sink it, he admitted, but he was "really chuffed". "It's a brilliant show - it's a lovely show to go to," he added.
Peter is a past winner of the coveted Charles Boardman Challenge Cup for his pigs, has shown ponies ridden by his children and run a trade stand at the show promoting the family on-farm bakery with goods produced from sty to pie using its home-grown pork.
He is also an active council member of both the Royal Norfolk Agricultural Association and the Suffolk Agricultural Association and says he is "proud and honoured" to be able to represent the British pig industry at the show.
Among Peter's duties will be presenting trophies and hosting the president's lunch at the show, which takes place on Sunday, May 14. Wife Gill will also be judging in the crafts tent.
Show organisers said they were "delighted" to have his support.
Among the highlights at the 134th show will be a death-defying display in the grand ring by the Bolddog FMX motorcycle team - as seen in the semi-finals of series 8 of Britain’s Got Talent - and British Scurry and Trials Driving poniescompeting against the clock.
Attractions also include wood carvers in action, farriers in the forge, gun dogs working, terriers racing and the Ferretworld Roadshow which will be looking for volunteers against ferrets.
The show will feature an art and craft marquee, a food hall and trade stands. Sheep, pigs, cattle and horses will be competing for a host of trophies.
The show director is Ingham farmer Oliver Stennett.
Jim Mann, chairman of the South Suffolk Agricultural Association, said they were "very excited" to be featuring cookery demonstrations by Local Flavours as part of the show's new Eat Street.
The aim was to support British Farming and quality local produce and provide "a great selection" of speciality artisan food vendors.
Tickets are available on the gate from 8:30am, with a staggered system of advance purchase discounted tickets available online at www.southsuffolkshow.co.uk
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