FARM worker Gilbert Kilford, of Shrewton, got the surprise of his life when he went to the Royal Show, in Stoneleigh, Warwickshire, last week to receive an award for 50 years' service.
Just minutes before he was to receive the bar and life membership of the Royal Agricultural Society, he discovered these were to be presented by the Princess Royal.
"We were in the royal pavilion and Princess Anne turned up," he said.
"I had no idea she was going to do it."
Mr Kilford (65), who was born in Shrewton and has lived all his life in the village, began work at Maddington Farm on leaving school at 15.
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