A MAN who farmed in Kent for more than 50 years – building up a successful business from nothing – has died.

James Fairclough, known as Jim to friends, continued to round up sheep and carry out everyday repairs at his farm in Lenham, near Maidstone, until just months before his death.

Lancashire-born Mr Fairclough, who was 91, trained as a mechanical engineer and served as a transport officer in the RAF throughout the Second World War, when he was posted to Detling where he met his future wife, Josephine Robbins.

When peace came, Mr Fairclough joined United Nations Rehabilitation and Relief (UNRA), then worked for Marley in Lenham.

In 1953, Mr Fairclough, his wife and daughters, Joanne and Jackie, moved to Chapel Mill, Lenham Heath, and while still holding down a full time job, he set about transforming it into a thriving pig farm.

The Faircloughs became top pig breeders, selling breeding stock as far away as Taiwan.

The couple showed and won at Smithfield and Mr Fairclough received the once-in-a-lifetime honour of being asked to judge at The Royal Show.

He was a long-standing member of the Kent County Agricultural Society, showing and judging at the Kent County Show.

In 1977, the family, which now included daughter Alayne and son William, moved to Popes Hall Farm, Lenham, where they continued the pig business and expanded into sheep and arable farming.

Mr Fairclough remained active until the final few months of his life, working in partnership with daughter Alayne.

Granddaughter Katie Burr, from Lenham, said: “His hard work ethic is what maintained his youthful energy and exuberance for life.

“He was a very active person, always helping people and doing as much as he could for the community. Such a huge character, he will be missed but will always bring a smile to our memories.”

Mr Fairclough leaves his wife of 61 years, his four children and six grandchildren.