Suffolk Agricultural Association granted honour to mark King's birthday
The group's been granted one of the first King's Awards for Voluntary Service
Last updated 15th Nov 2023
The organisation that runs the Suffolk Show and works to educate people around the county about the importance and impact of farming has been recognised by King Charles III.
Education volunteers at the Suffolk Agricultural Association have been granted one of the first The King's Awards for Voluntary Service, to mark Charles' 75th birthday.
It's the equivalent of an MBE and is the highest honour that can be given to a voluntary organisation.
The charity dates back to 1831 and is a membership organisation for local farming communities.
As well as organising the county show, the group provides educational resources to help people learn about farming.
It also helps to inspire young people to take up a career in agriculture.
The charity's Chief Executive Phillip Ainsworth told Greatest Hits Radio: "It feels pretty amazing... as an organisation we're hugely proud and privileged and surprised"
"To turn out to be the only organisation (to get the award) this year in Suffolk is even more of a surprise... it's a wonderful thing the volunteers are being honoured for."
"The award is in perpertuity... its a great thing that will persist with the organisation going forward... we can all feel tremendous pride."