JOE Henson, founder of Cotswold Farm Park, has been elected president of the Three Counties Agricultural Society.

The son of Leslie Henson, a well-known actor and comedian in the Thirties and Forties, Mr Henson's involvement in agriculture stems from the Second World War, when he left London to help out on a farm near Hitchen.

A graduate of the Royal Agricultural College, Cirencester, he currently holds the tenancy of Bemborough Farm at Guiting Power. The farm is also home to the Cotswold Farm Park, a collection of rare breeds opened to the public in 1971, which led him to become founding chairman of the Rare Breeds Survival Trust in 1973. The park is now managed by his son Adam. Mr Henson is also patron of Gloucester Cattle Society, president of the Cotswold Sheep Society and a vice-president of the Rare Breed Survival Trust.

At the TCAS AGM last month, he stressed his commitment to food and farming in the three counties.

He said: "In spite of the terrible experiences of recent times, farming is resilient and will come through but we need the support of our customers. County shows are important as the face and voice of our industry and the perfect shop window for the region's quality products. During my year in office, I will be giving the society my unstinting support."