The society which stages the Kent County Show each year has a new president at its helm.

The Kent County Agricultural Society elected Alastair Campbell, 4th Baron Colgrain, was elected at its AGM.

He succeeds Lady Astor of Hever who has been president since 2011. She followed her husband Johnny who stepped down to take on his duties in the House of Lords.

Kevin Attwood, society chairman said: “From my perspective, Lady Astor of Hever has been a delight to work with, always willing to offer ideas, full of enthusiasm and continually promoting the society and its charitable objectives.”

Lady Astor was presented with a Life Governors Membership and commemorative glassware.

Born and bred in Kent, he worked in banking before spending a year at the Royal Agricultural College, Cirencester, followed by six years working on his family farm outside Sevenoaks.

For the last 30 years he has overseen the running of the farm while also running an Executive Search business in London. Chairman of the trustees of Belmont House and Belnor Farms near Faversham, he is a trustee of Rochester Cathedral Trust and a governor of Sevenoaks School; is a Kent Ambassador and was High Sheriff of Kent 2013-14. He and his wife Bella, herself a Deputy Lieutenant of Kent, have two grown up sons.

At the AGM, Mary Anthony also stepped down as vice-chairman, after being involved with the society for more than 30 years, initially stewarding with horses, then as a board director. She was replaced by James Forknall, whose family have farmed in Chart Sutton since 1953.

He said: “I am in the ideal position of being able to speak to farmers and growers and to ensure that the Kent County Show has their support. In turn this will mean the annual Show in July will have more exhibits to inform and educate visitors about the wonderful larder we produce here in Kent.”

Lady Astor also presented Terry Whitehead with the vice-presidents award, for his commitment as chief steward of livestock since 2009, and acting as a steward for more than 10 years.