A charity volunteer has been presented with an award for his outstanding service to the farming community.

Peter Hickling, of Halstead, was presented with a certificate in recognition of his volunteering efforts for the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution (RABI).

Mr Hickling - who has served the charity for more than 25 years - was guest of honour at a ceremony held at the Essex county harvest service at Chelmsford Cathedral on October 3.

High Sheriff of Essex David Hurst presented the certificate.

Mr Hickling has been treasurer and secretary to the Essex RABI committee for 25 years during which time he has become a mainstay of the local organisation.

Peter Hickling at the service (Image: RABI) His hard work and conscientious approach have meant that the committee always runs efficiently and the well-oiled Essex RABI fundraising cogs "run unceasingly" to ensure that farming families can be supported when in need, the gathering was told.

He was praised for his organisational skills and his calmness and clarity while carrying out his duties with "characteristic warmth, humility and a quiet humour".

He was described as "the presence of steady calmness" and was thanked for his efforts.

Lucy Bellefontaine, regional manager for RABI East, said: ‘’We are all so proud of Peter at RABI, volunteering for an organisation for 25 years is an amazing feat.

"Peter has been involved with helping to run fundraising events across the Essex county, representing RABI at various functions and is a absolute pleasure to work with.

Peter and Janet Hickling at the service  (Image: RABI) "This award is well deserved. Thank you to Peter for all that he does."

At the service, James Marriage, director of milling company Marriages - which is celebrating its bicentenary - spoke about the business's 200 year heritage of milling Essex wheat into flour.

Afterwards Chelmsford diocese agricultural chaplain and rural chaplain, the Rev Canon Janet Nicholls said: “During challenging times for our farming community, it was truly humbling to witness our cathedral filled with praise and thanksgiving at the County Harvest Service.

"I’m grateful to everyone who contributed to the service, ensuring that those involved in the life-sustaining field-to-fork activity of our diocese sensed our affirmation and God’s blessing.”