RETIRED Oakwood police officer Harry Mole has been appointed president of the organisation behind the annual Northumberland County Show.

A 50-strong crowd welcomed the long-serving member of the show’s management committee into his new role at the Tynedale Agricultural Society AGM earlier this month.

Harry, who has given decades of service to the show having helped with traffic management, parking stewarding and security over the years, takes over from George Hutchinson of Wark, after his three year tenure in the position.

He’ll be supported by new vice president, David Carr, of Highwood Farm, Hexham.

Harry , who lives in Oakwood with his wife, Margaret, devoted his 30-year career to Northumbria Police.

In 1962 his first job was as a drug testing officer for the National Greyhound Racing Club and when he retired in 1992 he had climbed the ranks to become sergeant at Hexham police station.

But retirement has not seen Harry slow down; he is an active member of Sandhoe Parish Council, and has spent many years assisting at Beaufront Estate’s shooting days.

And he is perhaps best known locally for his tireless fund-raising for North of England Children’s Cancer Research Fund.

In 1981 Harry and Margaret’s nine year old son, Keith was diagnosed with cancer.

Despite a devastating prognosis, he survived the disease and is now a healthy 54-year-old, father to the Moles’ two grandchildren Andrew (21) and Laura (19).

With daughter Lesley, who is stewardess of the Corstopitum Club in Corbridge, the whole family have raised thousands of pounds for the charity.

Chairman James Wardle said: “Harry has been on the committee since year dot!

“I’d like to thank him for his contribution and wish him well in the post.”

James also welcomed new committee members; Val Wood, Paul Chester, Duncan McRobbie, Paul Vaclik, Cathy Eales, Helen Dent, Ryan Perry, June Purves and Drew Patrick.

Event organiser, Judy Willis, delivered the treasurer’s report at the meeting.

“The society remains in a sound financial position after another successful show,” she said.

“The good traffic management system, dry weather and record attendance all contributed to the growth of the show’s popularity and to its stable revenue.”

Organisers plan to invest in improved wifi at the showground for 2017 to improve the experience for both visitors and traders alike.

As a registered charity itself, Tynedale Agricultural Society donates most of its profits to other good causes, and at the AGM it was agreed that in addition to four £1,000 bursaries for local students, the recipients for donations this year would be The Country Trust, the Great North Air Ambulance, the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution, Northumbria Blood Bikes and Allendale Show.

Next year’s Northumberland County Show will take place on Bank Holiday Monday, May 29, at Bywell.