Lord Bruce-Lockhart, president of the National Fruit Show, has died at the age of 66.
Sandy Bruce-Lockhart was an apple and pear grower in Egerton, Kent, and supplied Norman Collett for many years.
He was also English Heritage chairman and a former Conservative leader of Kent County Council.
He had farmed in Kent since 1968, having previously managed farms in South Africa and Australia.
Norman Collett managing director Andy Sadler said: “There was always an air of great enthusiasm and optimism whenever Lord Sandy was engaged in conversation concerning his top-fruit farm in Egerton. It was a passion that still remained with him while he battled his illness.
“He always had high hopes about the future prospects for the UK top-fruit industry, which gave him the determination to continue replanting and, if you take a look at his orchards today, you can see the rewards coming through as one of the finest crops of apples in the county awaits to be harvested.
“This Tuesday (August 19), the farm hosted the East Kent Fruit Societies farm walk; testament to the dedication and excellence of Lord Sandy and his team.”
Lord Bruce-Lockhart leaves a wife, Tess, and three children.
