Farmer off to pastures new

He said a fond farewell to friends and colleagues at special party last Friday, with some guests travelling up from London to be there.

Peter, 65, a farm foreman at Lawford Heath Farm, said: “It was a really hard decision but I felt it was the right time to leave farming.

“Every day brought fresh challenges and I’ve really enjoyed it, but farming has changed so much and I decided to let the youths have a go.”

His duties included cultivation, tractor work and working with cattle.

Peter, who is married to Denise and has three children and four grandchidren, describes himself as a ‘country man’ with clay pigeon shooting being one of his hobbies.

He is now looking forward to spending more time with his family.

Peter added: “We have family in Spain so I’m looking forward to lots of extended holidays.

“I’m sure I’ll be very busy.”

Andrew Mitchell, who owns Lawford Heath Farm, said: “Peter was a really good worker who brought a lot to the farm.

“As well as general duties he also helped a lot with getting young people get a start into agriculture.”