Lady Astor of Hever, president of Kent County Agricultural Society, paid tribute to the farmer with the Boris Johnson hair.

In a tribute to George Jessel, who stepped down as KCAS chairman after six years in which he spearheaded modernisation of the county show and the Detling showground, she told members: “What a man! What a colourful character!

"It seems to me that when God was handing out personalities He gave George a triple dose, making all those around him appear rather grey beneath his large shadow”

His “Wild West” hair had “a personality all of its own.

“Ever wonder where Boris Johnson got the idea for uncontrolled hair and a large personality? From George Jessel, of course.”

She presented Mr Jessel with the President’s Award and a Life Governor’s Membership.