A long-serving stalwart of the Aylsham Show has been rewarded with a unique memento of his years working for the event.

Chris Self had been the show secretary for 40 years, aided throughout by his wife Ann, until the couple stepped down from their roles after last year's event.

This year, he was presented with a copy of Alec Douet's book, 'Breaking New Ground – Agriculture in Norfolk 1914-1972' which had been signed by 30 former presidents spanning his show career, which started in 1977.

Mr Self, 69, said: 'It is a privilege to receive this. It is a nice memento to have for future years, to sit back and read through it.

READ MORE: Breaking New Ground book outlines a century of Norfolk farming historyThe former show secretary said it was a 'strange feeling' to attend the show without a formal role.

'It is nice to be able to walk around the showground and see things I have missed in previous years,' he said. 'I would have thought this year's was among the best. 'When the parachutists dropped in, the crowd was six-deep around the Main Ring. I think a lot of that is due to the weather, and the way the committee has redesigned the car parking, and the fact that the harvest has finished early so the farming community can let their hair down a bit more.

'We are always well-supported by the agricultural community, and people from the market towns, and holidaymakers.'

READ MORE: Weather proves a hit with crowds at the 2017 Aylsham Show in Blickling Park