MORE than 240 volunteers, stewards and members of the Three Counties Agricultural Society gathered at the Malvern showground for a celebratory dinner in advance of this year's Royal Three Counties show

The event was to thank them for their dedicated support of the society and to celebrate their "unwavering loyalty, commitment and support they offer the society to bring to life its vibrant calendar of events each year".

Guest of honour was General Sir Nicholas Carter, chief of the general staff and professional head of the Army, who spoke about the challenges of today's changing world.

Ken Nottage, Three Counties chief executive, said: “It was a fantastic evening and a real celebration of the hard work, dedication and commitment of our volunteers, stewards and team. They really are the heart of the show and enable us to bring to life such an exciting calendar of events each year. Without them, it wouldn’t be possible. We look to them again as we gear up for the Royal Three Counties Show from June 17-19, the UK’s largest livestock and equine show and a landmark event in the agricultural calendar.”