The Queen was among the notable names to have congratulated a rural issues magazine ahead of its 90th anniversary.

The Countryman will mark 90 years in print with a special edition next month, with Dame Judi Dench and David Bellamy also adding their congratulations.

The magazine is published by Country Publications, which also prints a number of regional interest magazines.

It covers focuses on the rural issues of today and tomorrow, as well as including features on the people, places, history and wildlife.

A letter from Christopher Sandamas, Chief Clerk to The Queen, to the magazine, reads: “Her Majesty was interested to learn of the special edition that will be published in April to mark the anniversary and has asked me to send her best wishes to the staff and readers of The Countryman.”

Dame Judi Dench said: “Your ninetieth anniversary – what an achievement and what a milestone. The Countryman has become an important part of the countryside that it represents so well with good traditional country writing.

“Open the covers and there in print is birdsong, wild flowers, country crafts and country life made real. A monthly treat – many congratulations and please keep up the good work.”