AFTER 36 years heading a horticultural show which he helped to cultivate, the leading light is bowing out.

Gordon Wilkinson has retired as chairman of Rusland Horticultural Show, but has pledged to carry on his support for the 119th summer gathering.

The retired farmer, from Crosslands, Rusland, said the show which started in 1887 had gone from strength to strength after it was relaunched following the war.

A former fell runner, with second and third successes at Grasmere, Mr Wilkinson said the original two show marquees had grown to seven, with entries totalling around 1,100 in 172 classes.

Exhibitors turn up from a wide area and the event, which is also a sports meeting, had once attracted a fell runner from Portsmouth.

"Over the years we have gradually built up and own all our own marquees.

We rent them out and it gives us extra income," said the outgoing chairman.

His place at the White Stock Meadow showground will be taken by his former vice chairman John Watson, of Oxen Park.

Mr Wilkinson's wife Elsie will remain on the committee and the couple's grandchildren will be exhibiting in the next show, like their parents did before them.