THE man behind the biggest event in the North's agricultural calendar has died after a year-long battle against cancer.

Robin Keigwin, who was 56, became chief executive of the Yorkshire Agricultural Society, organisers of the Great Yorkshire Show, in September 1992 following a career in the Army.

A devoted family man, he lived at Masham and leaves a widow, Prue, and two sons, Richard and Michael.

John Stoddart-Scott, Chairman of the society said: "Robin made a major contribution to its work and in particular to maintaining the Great Yorkshire Show as one of the premier agricultural events in Great Britain.

"He was committed to ensuring that the society was at the forefront of promoting agriculture, whether it was through the show, or through the support and encouragement given to a wide range of organisations. We will miss his wisdom and counsel."

A Yorkshireman by birth, he had a life-long interest in agriculture and maintained his interest in National Hunt racing, shooting and fly-fishing.

His career in the Irish Guards took him all over the world until he retired at the rank of lieutenant colonel after 29 years' service.

He played a major role in the realisation of the £12m project which saw the transformation of the Harrogate showground to a year-round events venue, as well as the setting for the annual Great Yorkshire Show.

He was also a driving force in the society's work to further links between education and the farming world, through the innovative appointment of an education advisor.

The funeral takes place at St Mary's Church, Masham, on Saturday, February 16, at 2.30pm.