VIDEO Suffolk's premier agricultural event won the royal seal of approval today.

SUFFOLK'S premier agricultural event won the royal seal of approval today.

The Duchess of Gloucester arrived at Wattisham Airfield by aeroplane mid morning to be greeted by the Lord Lieutenant of Suffolk, Lord Tollemache, and Chief Constable Simon Ash.

No sooner had she landed on the tarmac, the royal visitor was whisked off by car to Trinity Park in Ipswich for the 177th Suffolk Show.

Dressed in a beige linen jacket, coffee-coloured patterned skirt, sensible black heels and silver broach, the Duchess was introduced to a host of dignitaries including leading members of the Suffolk Agricultural Association, which is responsible for staging the annual event.

She then presented prizes to the young winners of the Suffolk Schools' Competition, which ran under the theme of the Year of Food and Farming in Education and International Year of the Potato.

The itinerary then took the royal visitor to the SGR Interactive Sports Village in association with the Suffolk Lawn Tennis Association, which enabled visitors to try their hand at an exciting new sport.

After enjoying lunch with dignitaries in the president's enclosure, the royal was then invited to present the long service awards to Suffolk farmers.

The Duchess smiled and chatted with award winners before posing for official photographs and congratulating them on their achievement.

The afternoon saw the royal guest visiting traditional aspects of the show including the cattle judging rings, heavy horse lines and sheep building.

Prizes were presented to the best agricultural trade stand and best trade stand and the VIP guest also presented awards to the Suffolk horse, Red Poll and Suffolk Sheep champions.

There was also time for the Duchess to marvel at the local produce on offer, including cheeses, pickles and delicacies, in the Adnams Food and Drink Experience before returning to Wattisham Airfield for her return flight home.