The new Pembrokeshire County Show president has taken up the reins for his year in office.

The successful candidate for this year’s lady ambassador was also announced at Pembrokeshire Agricultural Society’s AGM held on Wednesday, March 8.

The newly-elected president is Whitland dairy farmer Richard Cole. He follows in the footsteps of his father Campbell, who presided over the show in 1978.

Last year’s president, Dennis Reed, handed the chains of office to Mr. Cole.

Mr. Cole said it was a great honour to take on the role. He also paid tribute to Mr. Reed and said he would be a hard act to follow.

Taking the seat in the president’s chair, Mr. Cole presented the lady ambassador sash and badge to Yasmin Bevan-Rees.

Yasmin, of Wiston, is a 22-year-old paralegal who is training at Hains & Lewis. She is a member of Keyston YFC and enjoys playing netball at county level. She is widely travelled and describes herself as a very sociable person who enjoys meeting new people.

Mr. Cole, who was on the judging panel, said: “It was a keenly-contested process and we had three very eligible people to choose from. I look forward to working with Yasmin during the next 12 months.”

The role of president-elect has been awarded to Brian Harries. Mr. Harries is a well-known charity fundraiser in Pembrokeshire and was recognised in this year’s Queen’s New Year’s Honours list with a British Empire Medal.

He said it will be a huge challenge, but one he is looking forward to.

“We need to take the show into the future,” he said. “How we embrace change and continue to be successful is our greatest challenge.”