HE WAS an inspirational farmer whose sudden death at 48 shocked the agricultural community.

John Edgar was a founder member of the Hampshire Cattle Breeders' Society and the youngest ever chairman of the Brockenhurst branch of the National Farmers' Union.

Now a charity launched in his memory is set to benefit from the New Forest and Hampshire County Show, which starts on Tuesday.

The New Forest Agricultural Show Society, which stages the three-day spectacular, has made the John Edgar Trust its charity of the year for 2016.

Members of the Hampshire-based organisation aim to help people across the south achieve their full potential in farming and other rural enterprises.

The decision to support the trust was taken by the Countess of Wessex, who is this year's show president and is due to attend the first two days of the event.

Mr Edgar was the son of a Fred and Dorothy Edgar, who owned a 750-acre farm at New Milton.

After a short apprenticeship with the legendary Tom Parker at Fareham in 1941 he returned home and quickly became a highly-successful farmer and businessman.

Mr Edgar became a member of the Agriculture Improvement Council for England and Wales and was also elected president of New Milton Chamber of Trade.

A John Edgar Trust spokesman said fellow farmers were shocked when he died suddenly on February 20 1970.

He added: "John was a unique farmer who inspired all those with whom he came in contact and set an example few could follow.

"Hampshire had lost a great man and his many friends, who wished to perpetuate his work and ideals as well as recognising his mammoth contribution to agriculture, launched a very successful memorial appeal which lead to the establishment of the John Edgar Trust.

"John's friendship and the warmth of his infectious personality were irreplaceable "But the trust perpetuates his memory and continues his lifelong work of promoting excellence in farming and rural businesses in southern England."