MOORLAND farming stalwart Stan Sturdy is being honoured by becoming the president of Rosedale Show on Saturday – at the age of 100.

Mr Sturdy, who was born in the village, was given the honour in 1981, and to mark his milestone birthday this year, the show committee unanimously made him their choice for 2014.

His daughter, Julie Ellis, said he had attended virtually every show since he was 14.

Mr Sturdy, who was a member of the organising committee, encouraged other members of his family to get involved. Julie is a steward and his grandaughters, Lesley and Gillian, are members of the committee, as is their mother. One of Mr Sturdy’s sons, Frank, is also a committee member and steward of the horses section.

Mr Sturdy farmed at Thorgill House, Rosedale, in his early days, before moving to Riseborough near Marton.

Show secretary Malcolm Leckenby said: “Stan has been involved with the show for so long making him president again in his centenary year seemed to be a great accolade to acknowledge all the work he has done over so many decades.”

The show, which started in 1871, has record entries in its sheep and tent classes, he said. “Our Texel sheep entries are outstanding,” added Mr Leckenby.

Among the attractions at the show, which expects to attract a 5,000-strong crowd, will be the Malton White Star Band.