Guinness heir Lord Iveagh, who owns the 22,500 acre Elveden Estate, near Thetford, has been appointed the first patron of a charitable fund which educates agricultural and horticultural students from developing countries,

The Marshal Papworth Fund, which runs UK-based scholarship and short course programmes, was formed in 2001 from funds bequeathed from Huntingdonshire farmer Marshal Papworth. The fund is wholly managed by the East of England Agricultural Society.

Through its scholarship programmes the fund develops life changing, land-based skills, enabling students, from developing countries to facilitate sustainable farming within their own communities.

James Parrish, Marshall Papworth Fund chairman, said: “We are thrilled to announce that Lord Iveagh has joined the Marshal Papworth Fund as its patron. This is the first time that the fund has had the privilege of a patron and we look forward to working closely with Lord Iveagh to identify and nurture potential partners, sponsors and advocates to help us secure the fund’s future and enable many more agricultural students from developing countries to benefit from our scholarships.”

Since the formation of the Marshal Papworth Fund, 12 years ago, the charity has helped more than 100 students from developing countries to achieve their dreams and help their home communities. To sustain its programme and make it possible for many more students from around the world to benefit from the education it provides, the fund relies on donations.

Lord Iveagh said: “I have long enjoyed an association with the East of England Agricultural Society, who manage the Marshal Papworth Fund, so when I was asked to help support the great work that the charity undertakes I was only too pleased. I am part of an inter-generational family business and I know the importance that the role of sustainability plays in securing social, ecological and commercial longevity.”