A “one man dynamo” who organises a lowland game shoot in Suffolk has been recognised for his success with a prestigious award.

Richard Gould, head gamekeeper at Ixworth Thorpe, won the 2018 Purdey Special Award and picked up a cheque for £1,000.

The Purdey Awards were announced on November 22 at a ceremony held in London gun and rifle maker James Purdey & Sons’ famous Long Room.

The judges chose to create a special award recognising Mr Gould “for his vision and his ongoing and outstanding success” in creating the Suffolk lowland game shoot.

Described by the judges as a “one man dynamo”, the panel were unanimous in their decision that Mr Gould should be recognised as an imaginative, innovative and exceptional keeper and receive the award.

The Duke of Wellington, chairman of the awards judging panel, announced the winners and recipients were presented with their awards by former international cricketer David Gower.