A MAN who has helped shape the Yorkshire Agricultural Society over the past 20 years has been appointed its president.

Richard Howard-Vyse will now take a prominent role planning next year's Great Yorkshire Show as well as in the day-to-day affairs of the society for the next 12 months.

"This is a great honour,'' he said. "The Yorkshire Agricultural Society has been part of my life for many years and I always look forward to the wonderful experience and great camaraderie of the Great Yorkshire Show."

Mr Howard-Vyse, who manages his family's land at Langton, near Malton, was elected president of the Great Yorkshire Show in July. He has stewarded at the event since 1968 and has been a member of its council since 1981.

In 1992, he took over as chairman of the society's executive committee and led the organisation when it made the decision to stay in Harrogate and undertake a major development programme. The Yorkshire Event Centre and Pavilions complex followed, offering new facilities and a source of income which helped the society to focus on projects in support of agriculture.