SECURITY was stepped up as large crowds gathered to welcome His Royal Highness the Duke of Kent to this year's show.

Craig Robinson

SECURITY was stepped up as large crowds gathered to welcome His Royal Highness the Duke of Kent to this year's show.

The Duke swooped into Suffolk by helicopter and was met off site by the Lord Lieutenant of Suffolk, Lord Tollemache and Suffolk Constabulary chief constable Simon Ash.

He was taken to Trinity Park by car and introduced to Lady Tollemache, past president of the Suffolk Agricultural Association, Suffolk High Sheriff James Buckle and Suffolk County Council chairman Charles Michell.

He met members of the Suffolk Agricultural Association, Suffolk Show director Peter Over and deputy director Bee Kemball.

He was then asked to present the long service awards to those who have been working in the agricultural industry for 30, 40 and 50 years.

Roger and Helen Walker, from Stowmarket, were among the scores of people who turned out to watch as the Duke continued on his tour around the show ground.

"It's a real honour that he's here," Mr Walker said. "We come to the Suffolk Show every year and we always enjoy the Royal visit."

Charlie Rowley, from Bury St Edmunds, said: "It's nice for him to come and see what the county has to offer. The show is a fantastic couple of days and a visit like this makes it extra special."

After the long service awards the Duke was asked to hand out trophies to some of this year's livestock winners in both the President's Ring and the Grand Parade.

He was then taken on a whistle stop tour of the rest of the show ground which included the colourful exhibits and displays in the Flower and Garden Experience, the sports village and the greenest county tent.

His visit finished in the President's Box with the national anthem played by the band of the Royal British Legion.