A daily journalist who has been his newspaper’s ‘Mr Farming’ for the past three decades has bowed out after covering his 30th and final agricultural show.

Michael Pollitt, agricultural editor of the Eastern Daily Press, has stepped down from he paper he first joined in 1984.

Before bowing out he covered his 30th and last Royal Norfolk Show and was honoured with a special recognition award by the Royal Norfolk Agricultural Association.

Former Lord Lieutenant and head of the RNAA Sir Timothy Colman admitted the show “will never be quite the same without him.”

Michael Pollitt, left, with RNAA chairman Henry Cator, right and Stewart Bunting, who is representing England in the world ploughing championships.

Michael, who was the longest-serving journalist in his role on the EDP in its 144-year history, said he now plans to focus on voluntary work.

“I have no plans to work in journalism or as a freelance after writing about farming related issues for close on 40 years,” he said.

“My first venture into print was writing about the scandal of low pay for washing cattle floats at the two Otley weekly market aged 13 in the Wharfedale & Airedale Observer, for which I was paid the Princely sum of ten shillings – now 50p. Not much has changed since 1969!

“Instead, I’m looking to do something in the voluntary or similar sector, which will compliment my current role as secretary and treasurer of Stalham Farmers’ Club.”

Sir Timothy, former Lord Lieutenant of Norfolk and former RNAA chairman, said: “The Royal Norfolk Show will never be quite the same without the active and smiling presence of Michael Pollitt, uniformed in his famous Puffa waistcoat.

“He is respected and his contacts with the industry throughout East Anglia are extensive. People of all ages are indebted to him for his influence and contribution to the interests of both farming and the countryside.”

In 2010, Michael’s work was recognised by the RNAA when he received its annual award for making an outstanding contribution to promoting food, farming and countryside in Norfolk.

Michael looked back on his career in a first person piece for the paper earlier this month.